New Delhi (Defence Desk): What can be a game changer in defence technology, the Indian army has taken a significant leap towards enhancing its capacity with introduction of micro drones. A move that has caught the attention of armed forces not just in the Indian subcontinent but globally.
In the latest addition to its armoury, the Indian army has inducted “Black Hornet,” drones, a compact palm-sized surveillance drone. These drones have been deployed in challenging terrain and high surveillance regions like Jammu and Kashmir close to one of India’s most disputed western borders.
But adoption of these micro drones are not merely a tech upgradation. This move reflects India’s rising focus on advanced aerial surveillance techniques in modern warfare. This also is believed will prove to be a pathbreaker in anti-terror operations where cross border surveillance is required.
These drones are merely of a size of an insect but are equipped with cutting-edge technology, high definition night and day vision cameras, sensors and other equipment that allows army men to gather crucial intelligence without anyone noticing and that too with real time feed.
But these Black Hornets not only enhances intelligence-gathering capabilities but also have set the ceiling high for the scope of further innovation and advancements in aerial reconnaissance and surveillance systems.
But other than drones, the nanotechnology has many other military applications, including improved communications, stealth, and sensors.
If we talk of communication, nanotech-enabled micro antenna rays can be very effectively used to improve communication between soldiers and vehicles.
Other than these, nanotech-enabled micro GPS receivers can also be used to improve communication between soldiers and vehicles which again streamlines high pressure military operations.
When we talk of stealth, nanomaterials can be used to make military hardware harder to detect by radar and sonar. Therefore, nanotechnology can be used to create invisibility cloaks that can make military hardware almost invisible.
Additionally, nanomaterials can further be used to make military hardware change color on-demand to blend in with the environment.
Another usage of nanotechnology in military is in sensors. Nanotech can be used to create sensors that can detect chemical and biological threats. Not just this, but it can also be used to create sensors that can detect damage and electromagnetic attacks which is one step ahead of such technologies in the present times.
Moreover, some other usage of nanotechnology can be in making vehicles lighter and faster without adding extra weight, or to make body armour lighter, stronger, and more durable.
Even if we talk of India, nanotechnology had made its way into defence advancement long back.
The Indian Army had been using nanotechnology in its defence systems, including drones, sensors, and armours.
Some of the examples of what use India has made of such technology other than in its latest addition of Black Hornet nano drones, are in sensors as India has been using such sensors that have help it prevent terrorist attacks and verify compliance with arms control treaties.
India also has used nanotechnology to build lightweight weapons, vehicles, aircraft, and satellites.
But all that aside, surveillance and weaponry are the two most demanding sectors which not only all nations are wanting to expand but also upgrade.
At the same time with the addition of hornet micro drones India has not only taken a huge leap in the race for modernisation using nano technology, placing itself ahead of many of its rivals and allies, but has also given a statement that speaks volumes of India’s commitment towards making itself a developed nation.
