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Drones in Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s response – Bunyan al-Marsoos – have only reinforced an adage in the making: Drones will be omnipresent in the battlefields of this decade. Today, the employment of drones is central to operational plans and has eased the burden on those who are ahead of others. This technology is better, notwithstanding their conventional force capability.
Operation Sindoor and the employment of drones by Indians, as well as Pakistan’s response, reveals wide widespread usage of these new instruments of war for multiple purposes, including reconnaissance, surveillance, precision attacks, loitering threats in the sky above, damage assessment, saturation of air defence systems and safety of own fighter aircraft.
Pakistan’s Lead Players in The Drone Industry
Pakistan has displayed a fair degree of strategic foresight in developing its drone capabilities. They have been aided generously by China and Turkey in the manufacturing and employment of this resource. To develop and manufacture drones, the lead players in Pakistan have been state-owned industries like the National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM), Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS), and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).
Pakistani Drones Based on Chinese and Turkish Designs
NESCOM produced the Burraq drone, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), and its multiple models. These are primarily designed on Chinese CH-3A design. When the US-manufactured MQ-9, a top-of-the-line drone, was not provided to them, they developed the Burraq based on Chinese technology. These drones are capable of reconnaissance and surveillance and can also be armed to undertake precision strikes.
Pakistan has access to Turkish technology, as well as Chinese technology, to build other models. Among these are the YIHA III Kamikaze drones that are based on Turkish designs.
GIDS manufactures the Shahpar series of drones, comprising three models. These drones also have the capability of carrying laser-guided precision munition. The general weight it can carry is 50 kg, and it has an endurance of seven hours and a top speed of up to 150 km/h. It can operate up to an altitude of 5000m, making it a fairly flexible UAV. Most parts of the drone are supposedly manufactured domestically; however, the engine and tyres are being imported.
Tactical UAV Systems
In the tactical UAV segment, Pakistan has developed the Uqab and Ranger drones. These are short-range drones with limited endurance. The Uqab and Rangers are typically used for surveillance and reconnaissance. They can also be used for damage assessment. They would be useful for battalion commanders to get a clear picture of enemy deployment and movement in their areas of influence and interest. These drones are also helpful in correcting artillery fire.
Pakistani Air Force uses the Jasoos remotely controlled UAV for real-time information and situational awareness. The Jasoos II Bravo Plus was inducted into the Pakistan Air Force in 2004. Jasoos can carry a 25 kg payload, max speed of 130kmph, and endurance of 6/7 hours.
Drones Supplied by Turkey Fail to Meet Indian Challenge
Various reports suggest the landing of Turkish military transport aircraft just before the launch of Operation Sindoor by India. Turkey supplied drones to Pakistan and also provided limited personnel for their operation. These supplies are reportedly equipped with the well-known Bayraktar TB2 drones. These are medium-altitude, limited-endurance drones that can be used for multiple tasks and are fairly sophisticated, combat-proven machines. They have been used in multiple theatres, including Azerbaijan, Syria, Ukraine and more. These drones can fly at an altitude of 30,000 ft and can carry a variety of payloads. Their performance in Operation Sindoor has not been so remarkable.
Assessment
The Pakistani drone industry has demonstrated the capability to produce a diverse range of drones. However, the industry has not been able to develop quality engines capable of achieving longer endurance, higher speed, and greater thrust. During Operation Sindoor, the entire gamut of drones employed, including Chinese and Turkish models, failed to breach the Indian Air Defence cover and cause any substantial damage. However, the tactics employed exploited the full potential of its inventory.
Pakistan needs to address the issue of technology in drone production, especially in the area of engine technology.
Pakistan does not have the most sophisticated drones currently being flown, including those in the class of the American MQ-9. However, it’s possible that the Chinese have not yet provided their best products to Pakistan.
Brig SK Chatterji (Retd) (Editor, BharatShakti)
Editor, Bharatshakti.in
