Indian Air Force Enhances Anti-Drone Capabilities with AI-Enabled Radars and Micro-Missiles on Helicopters
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to significantly advance its counter-drone capabilities by equipping attack helicopters with specialised micro-missiles, AI-driven target identification systems, and advanced electronic warfare equipment. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance air defence systems in response to the increasing threat posed by drones on the modern battlefield.
During the IAF-SIDM Seminar SANKALP 2026 in New Delhi, the Air Force outlined this proposal by releasing the latest Problem Statements Handbook. The document invites domestic industries to innovate and develop advanced technological solutions to meet future operational demands.
The envisioned system would see helicopters outfitted with micro-missiles designed specifically to counter slow-moving, low-flying unmanned aerial systems (UAS), such as loitering munitions and suicide drones. These precision armaments would work alongside 20 mm forward-mounted cannons, offering helicopters a range of options to engage aerial threats.
A critical aspect of the proposed capability is the integration of AI-powered target identification systems. These systems would enable helicopters to swiftly detect, classify, and track enemy drones, thus alleviating the workload on operators. Complementary lightweight airborne RF and GPS jammers would also be deployed to disrupt enemy drone communications and navigation signals during engagements.
The IAF has suggested the development of proximity-fused and time-delay fragmentation warheads for the micro-missiles. These would detonate near targets, dispersing high-velocity fragments within a 25-metre lethal radius, thereby increasing the likelihood of destroying small, agile drones.
While the Air Force has not specified which platforms will receive these upgrades, they are expected to be primarily integrated into the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter and the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. These platforms have the agility, sensor capabilities, and weapon integration needed for anti-drone missions. The older Mi-25 and Mi-35 Hind attack helicopters, which are being phased out, are unlikely to adopt these systems.
This initiative marks a notable shift in the IAF's counter-drone strategy. Historically, such operations have depended mainly on ground-based air defence systems, radars, and electronic warfare tools. However, recent conflicts have shown that tactics like terrain-masking, low-altitude flights, and drone swarms can undermine static ground defences.
By leveraging helicopters as mobile counter-drone platforms, the Air Force seeks to address these challenges. Helicopters can detect and intercept drones even beyond the line-of-sight constraints of ground-based systems, offering adaptable air defence coverage for vital military sites and forward-deployed units.
The plan follows Operation Sindoor, where drones, loitering munitions, and unmanned surveillance platforms played key roles in military activities, highlighting the need for layered counter-UAS capabilities that can tackle both reconnaissance and armed unmanned systems.
The project aligns with India’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at defence indigenisation. Through the SANKALP 2026 problem statements, the IAF is urging Indian defence firms, start-ups, and research bodies to develop indigenous AI-enabled sensors, electronic warfare systems, and customised micro-missile technologies for future battlefield scenarios.
As drone technology continues to advance rapidly, the Indian Air Force's initiative to integrate AI, precision-guided micro-missiles, and airborne electronic warfare systems into its helicopter fleet marks a significant step towards a more agile and technologically advanced air defence capability, ready to counter emerging aerial threats.
