Shaurya Squadrons

The Indian Army has recently begun fielding Shaurya Squadrons, which are specialised drone units integrated into armoured regiments to enhance battlefield capabilities.

About Shaurya Squadrons

Shaurya Squadrons are dedicated drone sub-units embedded within armoured regiments. Their primary role is to provide real-time surveillance and precision-strike capability directly to tank commanders at the unit level, reducing dependence on higher command structures.

Composition and Structure

Each Shaurya Squadron consists of around 20 to 30 trained personnel. These personnel are skilled in both drone operations and counter-drone warfare, making the unit versatile in modern combat scenarios.

Key Features and Capabilities

Shaurya Squadrons operate a diverse range of drones, including:

• Surveillance drones for reconnaissance

• Attack drones for offensive operations

• Swarm drones for coordinated strikes

• First-Person View (FPV) drones for precise targeting

• Loitering munitions that can hover and strike targets

FPV drones allow commanders to directly strike enemy tanks and logistics nodes, enabling faster decision-making without waiting for higher-level approvals.

Sensor-to-Shooter Cycle

A major objective of these squadrons is to reduce the sensor-to-shooter cycle, which refers to the time between detecting a target and neutralising it.

Shaurya Squadrons aim to compress this time from minutes to seconds, significantly improving battlefield responsiveness and operational efficiency.

Deployment and Expansion

Currently, five Army commands have inducted Shaurya Squadrons. The Indian Army plans to extend this capability to all 67 armoured regiments, ensuring each unit has its own dedicated drone wing.

Link with Ashni Platoons

The concept of Shaurya Squadrons builds upon the earlier deployment of Ashni Platoons in infantry battalions. These platoons also consist of 25–30 personnel and use a similar mix of drone technologies, and are now an integral part of infantry operations.

Conclusion

The induction of Shaurya Squadrons marks a significant shift towards technology-driven warfare in India. By decentralising drone capabilities and enabling faster, real-time decision-making, the Indian Army is enhancing its combat effectiveness and modern battlefield readiness.