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Atlas Drone Swarm System – A New Era in Network-Centric Warfare

Why in News

Recently, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) unveiled the Atlas Drone Swarm System (Atelasi), marking a signiﬁcant advancement in autonomous warfare and swarm-based combat capabilities.

About Atlas Drone Swarm System

The Atlas system is a mobile battleﬁeld platform designed to deploy and coordinate large numbers of drones from a single command point. It has been developed by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), a state-owned defence conglomerate closely associated with the PLA.

Mounted on vehicles, the system integrates multiple components, including a Swarm-2 combat vehicle, a command unit, and a support vehicle. It is capable of launching and managing drone swarms for diverse missions such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes.

Key Features of the System

High-Volume Drone Deployment
- The Swarm-2 platform can carry and launch up to 48 ﬁxed-wing drones.
- A single command unit can control up to 96 drones simultaneously in a coordinated swarm.
Rapid Launch Capability
- Drones are launched in three-second intervals, enabling the deployment of 96 drones in about 300 seconds.
- This ensures quick response in dynamic battleﬁeld conditions.
Swarm Intelligence and Coordination
- The system uses swarm-level coordination, where drones operate collectively while retaining individual autonomy.
- Drones can adapt formations dynamically for attack, surveillance, or defense missions.
Flexible Operational Conﬁgurations
- Drones can be grouped into different formations such as:
  - Defensive shields
  - Reconnaissance grids
  - Precision strike clusters
Multi-Payload Capability

Each drone can be equipped with varied payloads, including:

Electro-optical reconnaissance systems
Strike munitions
Communication relay packages

This allows the system to perform multiple roles such as:

Surveillance and battleﬁeld sensing
Electronic disruption
Communication extension in remote areas
Coordinated offensive operations

Strategic Signiﬁcance

Shift Towards Autonomous Warfare

The Atlas system represents a move toward AI-driven warfare, where human intervention is minimized, and decision-making is increasingly automated.

Force Multiplication

Drone swarms act as a force multiplier, enabling a single operator to control dozens of assets, overwhelming enemy defenses through sheer numbers.

Cost-Effective Combat

Compared to traditional platforms like ﬁghter jets or missiles, swarm drones offer a low-cost yet highly effective alternative for both offensive and defensive roles.

Electronic Warfare Advantage

The ability to disrupt enemy communications and sensors enhances battleﬁeld dominance.

Challenges and Concerns

Ethical Issues: Autonomous lethal systems raise concerns about accountability and compliance with international humanitarian law.
Countermeasures: Adversaries may develop anti-drone technologies such as jamming systems and directed-energy weapons.
Escalation Risks: Proliferation of swarm technology could intensify global arms

competition.

Implications for India

For India, developments like Atlas highlight the need to:

Invest in indigenous drone swarm technology
Strengthen electronic warfare and counter-drone systems
Enhance AI integration in defence systems

Conclusion

The Atlas Drone Swarm System underscores a paradigm shift in modern warfare toward automation, scalability, and network-centric operations. As such technologies evolve, nations must balance innovation with ethical considerations and strategic stability.

R-37M Missile and India’s Air Superiority

Context

In a signiﬁcant boost to India’s air combat capability, Russia has reportedly approved the export of the advanced R-37M ultra-long-range air-to-air missile to India. The induction of this missile is expected to substantially enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities and strategic deterrence.

About the R-37M Missile

The R-37M, designated AA-13 “Axehead” by NATO, is one of the most advanced long-range air-to-air missiles developed by Russia. It is speciﬁcally designed to engage and destroy aerial targets at very long distances, far beyond the pilot’s visual range.

A key feature of the missile is its ability to target high-value airborne assets such as Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), aerial refuelling tankers, and electronic warfare

aircraft. Due to this capability, it is often referred to as an “AWACS Killer.” These targets are crucial for enemy air operations, and their neutralisation can signiﬁcantly degrade adversary capabilities.

The missile is expected to be integrated with India’s Su-30MKI ﬁghter aircraft. Since the R-37M is already compatible with the Russian Su-30SM platform, which shares design similarities with the Su-30MKI, integration is likely to be smooth with minimal modiﬁcations.

Key Features and Technical Speciﬁcations

The R-37M stands out due to its impressive combination of range, speed, and guidance technology:

Dimensions & Warhead: The missile is approximately 4.2 metres long and weighs around 600 kg. It carries a 60 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, optimised for destroying large airborne targets.
Range: One of its most deﬁning attributes is its range of 300–400 km, making it among the longest-range air-to-air missiles currently operational in the world.
Speed: The missile can achieve hypersonic speeds of up to Mach 6, enabling rapid interception of distant and fast-moving targets.
Guidance System:It employs a sophisticated multi-stage guidance mechanism:
- Inertial navigation during the initial phase
- Mid-course updates via data-link from the launch aircraft
- Active radar homing in the terminal phase

This allows real-time retargeting and high precision.

Trajectory Proﬁle: The missile uses a lofted trajectory, wherein it climbs to a higher altitude after launch and then descends onto the target. This helps conserve energy and maximise range.
Propulsion: A jettisonable rocket booster enhances its reach and speed, contributing to

its long engagement envelope.

Strategic Signiﬁcance for India

The induction of the R-37M missile holds major strategic implications:

Enhanced BVR Dominance: It signiﬁcantly extends the IAF’s engagement range, allowing Indian ﬁghters to strike adversaries before entering hostile zones.
Neutralising High-Value Targets: The ability to target AWACS and tanker aircraft can cripple enemy surveillance and logistics networks early in a conﬂict.
Force Multiplier Effect: When paired with the Su-30MKI’s advanced radar systems, the missile enhances the aircraft’s lethality and operational ﬂexibility.
Deterrence Capability: The presence of such long-range weaponry strengthens India’s deterrence posture, particularly in contested airspaces.
Strengthening Defence Ties: The deal further consolidates India-Russia defence

cooperation, which remains a cornerstone of India’s military procurement strategy.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its advantages, certain aspects require attention:

Integration and Testing: Ensuring seamless integration with Indian avionics and systems will require rigorous testing.
Cost and Maintenance: Advanced missile systems involve high procurement and lifecycle

costs.

Countermeasures: Adversaries may develop electronic warfare systems and countermeasures to reduce effectiveness.

Conclusion

The R-37M missile represents a major leap in India’s air combat capabilities. Its unparalleled range, speed, and precision make it a critical asset for achieving air superiority in modern warfare. While operational challenges remain, its induction is poised to signiﬁcantly enhance India’s strategic and tactical air power.

Vikram VT 21: India’s Next-Generation Infantry Combat Vehicle

Introduction

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has launched the Vikram VT 21 project, featuring advanced wheeled and tracked armoured platforms designed to meet the Indian Army’s requirement for a Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV).

The project aims to replace the ageing BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle ﬂeet and strengthen India’s indigenous defence capabilities. With enhanced mobility, ﬁrepower, survivability, and digital warfare integration, Vikram VT 21 represents a major step toward modernising India’s mechanised infantry forces.

What is Vikram VT 21?

Vikram VT 21 is an Advanced Armoured Platform (AAP) developed by DRDO as a next-generation infantry combat vehicle.

The platform is designed to:

Transport infantry troops safely
Provide battleﬁeld ﬁre support
Operate across varied terrains
Integrate with modern network-centric warfare systems The vehicle combines:
Advanced armour protection
Modern weapon systems
High mobility
Surveillance and communication technologies

It is intended to address evolving battleﬁeld requirements and future combat scenarios.

Two Variants of Vikram VT 21

Wheeled Variant

The wheeled version operates on tyres and offers:

Higher road speed
Easier maintenance
Better fuel efficiency
Suitability for urban and semi-urban operations It is ideal for:
Rapid troop movement
Highway mobility
Peacekeeping operations

Tracked Variant

The tracked version operates on continuous tracks similar to tanks. Key advantages:

Better grip on rough terrain
Improved stability
Superior off-road mobility
Ability to cross trenches and uneven surfaces This variant is more suitable for:
High-altitude regions
Desert warfare
Mountain operations
Combat zones with difficult terrain

Collaborative Indigenous Development

The project has been jointly developed by:

Vehicles Research and Development Establishment
Bharat Forge
Tata Advanced Systems

Several MSMEs and DRDO laboratories have also contributed. Currently:

Around 65% indigenous content has been achieved
The target is to increase indigenisation to nearly 90% This aligns with India’s:
Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative
Defence manufacturing self-reliance goals

Key Features of Vikram VT 21

Advanced Weapon Systems

The platform is equipped with:

Indigenous 30 mm crewless turret

7.62 mm PKT machine gun

Third-generation Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)

Advantages of Crewless Turret

Improved crew safety

Reduced exposure during combat

Enhanced precision targeting

The Nag ATGM capability allows the platform to engage heavily armoured enemy targets effectively.

High Mobility and Amphibious Capability

The vehicle is powered by:

High-capacity engine

Automatic transmission system

Mobility Features

High power-to-weight ratio

Excellent manoeuvrability

Ability to climb steep gradients

Cross-country mobility

Amphibious Capability

The vehicle can operate in water bodies using:

Hydro jets

Water propulsion systems

This enables seamless river-crossing operations during combat.

Strong Armour Protection

The platform provides:

STANAG Level 4 and 5 protection

These NATO standards ensure resistance against:

Heavy gunﬁre
Explosions
Artillery fragments
Blast impacts

The vehicle also features:

Modular ballistic protection
Enhanced survivability systems

Modular Design

The Vikram VT 21 platform is modular and adaptable for multiple roles such as:

Infantry transport
Reconnaissance
Command and control
Combat support
Medical evacuation

This ﬂexibility improves operational efficiency and reduces logistical complexity.

Need for Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV)

The Indian Army currently relies heavily on the BMP-2 ﬂeet, which entered service in the 1980s.

Limitations of BMP-2 Fleet

Ageing technology
Limited survivability
Outdated sensors and communication systems
Reduced effectiveness in modern warfare The changing nature of warfare demands:
Better situational awareness
Integrated communication systems
Greater mobility
Precision ﬁrepower
Digital battleﬁeld integration

Role in Network-Centric Warfare

The FICV concept is based on network-centric warfare. This involves digitally linking:

Soldiers
Vehicles
Sensors
Drones
Command systems

Beneﬁts

Real-time information sharing
Faster decision-making
Improved battleﬁeld coordination
Enhanced situational awareness

Such integration signiﬁcantly improves operational effectiveness during modern combat.

Strategic Importance for India

The Vikram VT 21 holds major strategic signiﬁcance for India.

Border Security

The platform will strengthen operations along:

China border
Pakistan border

Rapid Deployment

Enhanced mobility supports:

Quick troop movement
Combined arms operations
Faster battleﬁeld response

Defence Self-Reliance

The project boosts:

Indigenous defence production
Private sector participation
MSME involvement
Technological innovation

Way Forward

Before induction into the Indian Army, the platform must undergo:

Development trials
User trials
Army evaluation
Operational certiﬁcation

After approval, large-scale production will begin.

DRDO estimates that the process could be completed within the next three years.

Conclusion

Vikram VT 21 represents a signiﬁcant advancement in India’s defence modernisation efforts. By combining indigenous technology, advanced protection systems, high mobility, and modern network-centric warfare capabilities, the platform addresses the evolving needs of the Indian Army.

The project not only enhances India’s military preparedness but also strengthens the country’s long-term goal of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Successful induction of the Vikram VT 21 could mark a transformative step in the modernisation of India’s mechanised infantry forces.

Cabinet Committee on Security approves mega Navy deal for Brahmos Missiles

Context: Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos extended range supersonic cruise missiles for deployment on warships of Indian Navy. The deal is expected to cost Rs 19,000 crore for the exchequer.

About Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missiles

Brahmos is a medium range ramjet supersonic cruise missile.
Brahmos is a two stage missile:
- First stage: Powered by solid propellant booster engine as its first stage with brings it to supersonic speed.
- Second stage: Powered by Liquid ramjet engine that takes the missile closer to 3 Mach speed in cruise phase.
Flight range: Brahmos has a flight range of up to 290 km with supersonic speed all through the flight, leading to shorter flight time, consequently ensuring lower dispersion of targets, quicker engagement time and non-interception by any known weapon system in the world.
Altitude: Cruising altitude of Brahmos is up to 15 km and terminal altitude is as low as 10 metres.
Warhead capacity: It can carry a conventional warhead weighing 200-300 kgs.
Launch capability: Brahmos has capability to be launched from land, sea, air and submarines. Brahmos has identical configuration for all the platforms and uses a Transport Launch Canister for transportation, storage and launch.
Fire and forget principle: Brahmos operates on the principle of Fire and Forget which means that the missile system adopts varieties of flights on its way to the target.
Range of Brahmos was kept at 290 km as India was earlier not a signatory of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). MTCR prohibits member countries to transfer technologies for missiles with range up to 300 km. Since, Russia is a party to the MTCR it did complied with the regulations of MTCR.

Ship based Brahmos: This version has been designed for launch in either vertical or inclined mode from a moving or static maritime platform against sea or land targets. It has been deployed on Indian Navy's frontline surface combat platforms as the prime strike weapon. This version also has 'salvo' launch capability, where multiple missiles can be fired in different trajectories to hit a single or group of targets. It is primarily used as Anti-Ship Missile.

Air-launched Brahmos: Brahmos Air Launched Cruise Missile (ACLM) with precision attack capability against sea and land targets is the designed as the heaviest and most powerful weapon to arm Indian Air Force's Su-30 strike fighter.

Submarine launched Brahmos: Brahmos missile is capable of bring launched from submarine from a depth of 40-50 metres. The missile is launched in the same configuration similar to the ship launched system.

Brahmos-NG & Brahmos-II (Future versions of Brahmos)

Brahmos-NG: Brahmos NG stands for Brahmos Next Generation. It is envisioned as a smaller and lighter but smarter weapon having high versatility, lethality and flexibility along with ultra-precision for deployment onboard a wide range of military platforms. Key features:
1. Reduced dimension & weight for widespread range
2. Advanced next generation stealth
3. Greater effectiveness against ECCM
4. Higher versatility in underwater combat applications
5. Launch readiness from Torpedo tube and vertical orientation
Brahmos II: It is a planned hypersonic cruise missile currently under joint development by Brahmos Aerospace. It is expected to have a range of 1,500 km and a speed of Mach 8. Since, India is now a signatory of the MTCR, Russia can transfer technologies for longer ranges.

About Brahmos Aerospace

Brahmos Missile is manufactured by Brahmos Aerospace which is a joint venture of DRDO (India) and NPO Mashinostroyenia (Russia). The company was established in India through an Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and Russia in 1998.
India has 50.5% ownership while Russia has 49.5% ownership in Brahmos Aerospace.
The name 'Brahmos' is combination of Brahmaputra (India) and Moskva (Russia) rivers.
Brahmos Aerospace is responsible for designing, developing, producing and marketing the Brahmos Supersonic cruise missiles with active participation of a consortium of Indian and Russian industries.
Indigenization of Brahmos: In 1998, indigenous contribution in the Brahmos system was around 30% only. However, now about 75% indigenous capacity has been achieved in the Brahmos missile project.
Exports: Brahmos missiles will be exported to the Philippines, which will its first global customer. Many countries from the Southeast Asian region have also shown interest in buying the system. Brahmos Aerospace aims to export $5 billion worth of missiles by 2025. Exports of Brahmos missiles to other countries would also allow sale and exports of other systems such as Akash, ATAGS Howitzers and other equipment from the Indian defence industry.