Indian Army to Equip T-72 and T-90 Tanks with Advanced Anti-Drone Systems Amid Rising UAV Threats
In a major step toward modernising its battlefield capabilities, the Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure approximately 75 advanced platform-based Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) for its T-72 and T-90 tanks. This decision, announced on April 6, 2025, reflects India's growing urgency to shield its high-value armoured platforms from the rapidly escalating threat of drones.
The nature of modern warfare is shifting, with drones becoming a low-cost but highly effective tool in the hands of both state and non-state actors. The new systems India is looking to acquire must offer a blend of "soft kill" and "hard kill" options—allowing tanks to both electronically jam and physically destroy hostile drones. These capabilities will offer tanks a critical edge on the battlefield, especially in contested zones where drone swarms, kamikaze UAVs, and surveillance drones are now a constant presence.
The Indian Army's decision is part of a broader evolution in military strategy. Since the 2021 drone attack on the Jammu Air Force Station, India has recognised the urgent need to strengthen its air defences, especially against small and stealthy UAVs. In the aftermath, several contracts worth over ₹300 crore were signed with indigenous firms to develop and deliver homegrown counter-drone technologies. One key milestone was the Indian Air Force's ₹155 crore deal with Zen Technologies for anti-drone platforms, signalling a shift toward domestic defence innovation.
The current initiative focuses on tanks—a domain where the threat from drones has become particularly acute. As per the RFI, the systems must offer 360-degree autonomous detection and tracking capabilities, identifying drone threats in real-time and responding accordingly. The "soft kill" aspect will likely include electronic warfare tools like GPS spoofing and radio frequency jamming, while "hard kill" elements might involve mini-missiles or laser-based weapons capable of neutralising the drone physically. These systems must also integrate seamlessly with existing tank structures without affecting mobility, weapon performance, or crew safety.
What makes this even more strategic is the context in which these tanks operate. India’s armoured units frequently deploy in diverse environments—ranging from deserts in Rajasthan to high-altitude conflict zones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. Both adversaries are rapidly adopting drone technology. China's experiments with drone swarms, loitering munitions, and AI-enabled surveillance drones, particularly in high-altitude terrain, present a growing threat. Meanwhile, Pakistan's use of UAVs for cross-border surveillance and payload delivery further highlights the need for robust countermeasures.
This anti-drone procurement comes alongside other major tank upgrades. India is already modernising its armoured fleet with more powerful engines for the T-72 tanks and is inducting newer T-90MS tanks equipped with enhanced sensors, thermal sights, and better survivability. In February 2025, another RFI was issued for Active Protection Systems for the T-90S/SK series—again calling for soft-kill, hard-kill, and counter-UAS capabilities—illustrating a holistic push toward making tanks "digitally armoured" for future combat.
A key element in this drive is the emphasis on indigenisation. The Army has stipulated a minimum of 60% indigenous content in the new counter-drone systems—slightly relaxable to 50% if the systems are indigenously designed. This not only boosts India's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) campaign but also positions the country as a future exporter of counter-drone technologies in the global defence market.
In conclusion, the Indian Army’s move to install anti-drone systems on its main battle tanks is a visionary response to a new era of threats. By investing in both soft and hard kill solutions and insisting on domestic manufacturing, India is preparing its military not just for today's conflicts—but for the technological battlefield of tomorrow. These upgrades ensure that its armoured forces remain protected, effective, and future-ready in an age where threats no longer just come from the ground, but also from the sky.
