The Indian Army is giving its heavy armour a high-tech sets of eyes and teeth.
Following the rollout of its “Ashni” infantry drone platoons, the Army has now activated six Shaurya Squadrons to bake drone warfare directly into its tank regiments. The move, accelerated by lessons from Operation Sindoor, aims to turn traditional tank formations into multi-domain hunters.
The new units were front and centre this month during Exercise Amogh Jwala, a 13-day blitz at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi. Led by the White Tiger Division under the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, the drill showed how drones now dictate the pace of the Army’s 5,000-plus tank fleet.
THE TECH BEHIND THE T-90s
These squadrons aren’t just for scouting. They are tactical “Swiss Army knives” integrated with T-90 Bhishma, T-72 Ajeya, and Arjun Mk1A tanks. Their mission set includes:
- Precision strikes: Using kamikaze drones and loitering munitions to hit targets before the tanks even see them.
- Combat support: Drones are now handling mine laying, obstacle breaching, and even hauling medical supplies.
- Electronic warfare: Jamming enemy signals while providing real-time surveillance for tank commanders.
A NEW WAY TO FIGHT
Shaurya Squadrons allow tank crews to see over the next hill, identifying enemy positions and weapon systems with pinpoint accuracy. This “deep precision strike” capability was the backbone of the Amogh Jwala exercise, which synced armoured units with attack helicopters and fighter jets.
Military sources say five Army commands have already deployed these squadrons. With 67 armored regiments currently in the field, the Army plans to scale up the number of Shaurya units rapidly to ensure every tank formation has a dedicated “digital wingman.”
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Published By:
Devika Bhattacharya
Published On:
Mar 25, 2026 15:02 IST
