New Delhi (ABC Live): India initially used drones mostly for surveillance and reconnaissance along its borders. Recently, it began integrating armed drones for precision strikes. For example, it acquired Israeli Harop loitering munitions that can attack targets deep inside contested areas without risking pilots. In a 2025 border crisis, India and Pakistan flew armed drones over each other’s territory to hit military bases (Foreign Policy). India is also exploring drone swarm warfare. In 2021, the Indian Army demonstrated 75 autonomous drones performing coordinated attacks and supply drops (The Defense Post). Overall, India is moving towards “drone-centric warfare” that treats UAVs as frontline weapons.

United States

The US pioneered armed drones like the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper for counterterrorism since the early 2000s. These drones patrol conflict zones, providing persistent intelligence and precision strikes (CSIS). Today, the US is shifting its drone strategy to high-end combat. It is developing swarm attacks and “loyal wingman” drones that accompany fighter jets. The Navy uses ship-launched drones for maritime surveillance, and the Army employs tactical drones for artillery spotting and battlefield intelligence. US doctrine covers the full range—from counterinsurgency to high-intensity combat with drones integrated at every level.

China

China rapidly expanded its drone use from regional surveillance to assertive combat roles. The PLA frequently patrols near Taiwan with drones and uses them to saturate and confuse enemy defenses during conflicts (Al Jazeera). China has showcased truck-mounted launchers releasing swarms of 48 attack drones simultaneously (The Defense Post). Its drones are used for strategic reconnaissance, tactical strikes, and naval operations. Beijing views drones as force multipliers that project power with less risk to personnel.

Russia

Russia was slow to adopt drones but shifted its doctrine due to recent conflicts. Early use focused on unarmed drones for reconnaissance and artillery spotting. In Ukraine, Russia heavily uses loitering munitions like the Shahed-136 (Geran-2) kamikaze drones in large salvos to overwhelm defenses (Breaking Defense). Russia also uses tactical drones to spot enemies and drop grenades. It is experimenting with autonomous swarms. Russian doctrine treats drones as critical for battlefield intelligence and long-range strikes, compensating for weaknesses in manned aircraft.

Israel

Israel is a drone pioneer, using UAVs daily for surveillance and precision strikes against threats from Gaza and Lebanon. Since the 2000s, it has employed drones like Hermes 450 and 900 for reconnaissance and attacks. Israel integrates drones with manned forces in real time. In 2021, it used AI-driven drone swarms in combat to locate rocket teams and guide strikes (CSIS). Israel also fields loitering munitions like the Harop, capable of autonomously attacking enemy radars. Its drone doctrine tightly integrates persistent ISR, precision strikes, and swarm operations.

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Types of Drones in Service

India

India’s fleet includes Israeli-made MALE drones like the IAI Searcher II and Heron, plus domestic drones such as the TAPAS BH-201, which matches imported Herons in capability (Eurasia Review). It operates mini and tactical drones like the ideaForge Switch UAV and loitering munitions such as the Harop. India plans to acquire American MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to expand its long-range surveillance and strike ability (Eurasia Review). India is also testing swarm and counter-drone UAVs.

United States

The US fields a vast range of drones:

• HALE drones like the RQ-4 Global Hawk for high-altitude surveillance.

• MALE drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper for long-endurance armed missions.

• Tactical drones including the RQ-7 Shadow and Switchblade loitering munitions.

• Advanced UCAVs and stealth drones like the X-47B and loyal wingman prototypes (XQ-58A Valkyrie).
  The US also experiments with drone swarms, such as the 103 Perdix micro-drones dropped from fighter jets (The Defense Post).

China

China’s drone portfolio covers:

• MALE strike drones (Wing Loong, Caihong series) (Al Jazeera).

• HALE and special-mission UAVs (WZ-7, WZ-8).

• Stealth UCAVs (Sharp Sword, FH-97A loyal wingman).

• Tactical and loitering drones for battlefield use.

• Naval drones and anti-ship drone boats.
  Many Chinese drones are cost-effective versions inspired by foreign designs, aiding their success in exports.

Russia

Russia’s drones mainly include:

• Tactical reconnaissance UAVs like the Orlan-10 and Eleron-3SV (Jamestown Foundation).

• Armed drones like the Kronstadt Orion and the stealthy Okhotnik-B in testing.

• Loitering munitions such as the ZALA Lancet and imported Shahed-136 (Breaking Defense).
  Russia is expanding production to meet wartime needs but remains dependent on imported electronics.

Israel

Israel operates:

• MALE/HALE drones (Heron family).

• Tactical armed drones (Hermes 450/900).

• Loitering munitions (Harpy, Harop).

• Small swarm drones (Orbiter, Rotem L).
  Israel has a mature industry producing most components domestically and continuously innovates its drone designs.

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Level of Autonomy and AI Integration

India

India is in early stages of AI use in drones. Most are remotely piloted or follow preset routes. However, it has demonstrated semi-autonomous swarms and basic AI coordination. The upcoming CATS Warrior drone aims to act as a loyal wingman with AI assistance (NSIN). India uses AI mainly for navigation, target recognition, and swarm coordination, but fully autonomous strikes remain a future goal.

United States

The US leads in AI and autonomy. Many drones can autonomously fly and patrol, with humans supervising. The Pentagon tested drone swarms with distributed decision-making (DARPA). Loyal wingman programs are developing AI “brains” that enable drones to fight alongside pilots. The US keeps humans in the loop for lethal decisions but invests heavily in edge AI to speed targeting and strikes.

China

China emphasizes “intelligentized” warfare. Its drones like Wing Loong II and CH-5 use autonomous takeoff/landing and mission execution. China has demonstrated AI-coordinated drone swarms and loyal wingman drones capable of autonomous confrontation (The Defense Post). President Xi promotes rapid AI combat development (Al Jazeera). China is advancing in target recognition, navigation, and electronic countermeasures using AI.

Russia

Russia’s AI use in drones is emerging. Some Shahed drones are upgraded with AI for navigation and target recognition. Russia develops autonomous loitering munitions and is investing heavily in drone swarms (Breaking Defense). Its progress is constrained by technology imports and sanctions, but it is working to increase autonomy and swarm capabilities.

Israel

Israel uses automation and AI for faster targeting and mission coordination. Its 2021 Gaza drone swarm shared data to map threats with minimal human control (CSIS). AI assists loitering munitions like Harop and the Drone Dome counter-drone system. Israel maintains human oversight for lethal strikes but integrates AI to speed the kill chain and reduce operator workload.

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Industrial Base and Domestic Production Capabilities

India

India is building an indigenous UAV industry through the “Make in India” initiative. The DRDO develops MALE drones like TAPAS, while private startups produce tactical drones and swarms (IdeaForge). Joint ventures with Israel and technology transfers from the US support growth. India is still catching up but aims to become a drone exporter.

United States

The US has the world’s most advanced drone industry. Major companies produce everything from mini-drones to stealth UCAVs. High R&D spending and rapid prototyping enable the US to maintain leadership (General Atomics, Northrop Grumman). The industry supplies US forces and allies, supporting extensive export controls.

China

China has a large, state-owned UAV industry producing drones at scale and low cost (AVIC, CASC). It leads the world in drone exports. Civil-military integration helps transfer commercial drone tech to the military. China’s drone industrial base is self-sufficient and growing rapidly, supported by strong government backing.

Russia

Russia’s drone industry was weak but has expanded due to war needs. Domestic factories produce drones like Orion and Shahed-type kamikaze drones. Russia remains dependent on imported components, mainly from China. It aims to mass-produce drones but faces challenges from sanctions (Breaking Defense).

Israel

Israel’s industry is mature and innovative. IAI and Elbit Systems produce a full range of drones, from tactical to HALE (IAI, Elbit Systems). Israel pioneered drone mass production and exports extensively. It produces most components domestically, continuously upgrading designs based on combat feedback.

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Export Policies and Global Market Participation

India

India mainly imports drones but plans to export to friendly countries once domestic production matures. It abides by MTCR rules and restricts imports to boost local manufacturing (Eurasia Review). Indian exports are currently minimal but may grow in unarmed or light-armed systems.

United States

The US tightly controls armed drone exports, supplying only close allies. It has eased some restrictions recently but maintains strict oversight on end-use (Al Jazeera). The US freely exports unarmed surveillance drones and mini-drones to many partners.

China

China is the world’s largest exporter of armed drones. It offers low-cost drones with few restrictions and flexible financing. Chinese drones are sold widely in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, building influence and gathering combat feedback from buyers (Al Jazeera).

Russia

Russia is a minor drone exporter, with limited sales of reconnaissance drones and some interest in armed UAVs like Orion-E. It imports drones from Iran and is subject to sanctions limiting exports (Jamestown Foundation). Russia may export co-produced drones in the future.

Israel

Israel is a long-time drone exporter, selling mainly unarmed or dual-use UAVs. It coordinates with the US on major sales and does not export to adversaries (Drones RUSI). Israeli exports have strong global reach and contribute significantly to defense revenue.

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Defensive and Counter-Drone Capabilities

India

India uses radar, RF jamming, microwave systems, and lasers to detect and destroy hostile drones. DRDO’s 30 kW laser system has successfully shot down multiple drones (Rediff). India collaborates with Israel on anti-drone rifles and develops multi-layered defenses for land and naval forces.

United States

The US employs portable jammers, cyber takeover tools, kinetic weapons, and laser systems to counter drones (US Department of Defense). It runs a Joint Counter Small UAV Office and tests advanced directed-energy weapons. The US works with allies to share technology and develop counter-drone norms.

China

China uses vehicle-mounted lasers, advanced electronic warfare, drone interceptor systems, and AI-assisted targeting for drone defense (Rediff). It has layered hard-kill and soft-kill capabilities integrated into its air defense. China actively trains to counter drone swarms.

Russia

Russia’s counter-drone tech is developing but limited. It uses kinetic interceptors and is experimenting with electronic warfare and interceptor drones. Russia faces challenges due to sanctions and limited domestic tech.

Israel

Israel operates AI-enabled counter-drone systems like Drone Dome, combining lasers and electronic warfare. Its defenses quickly identify and neutralize hostile UAVs using a mix of hard-kill and soft-kill methods (CSIS).

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