Indian Army to operationalise Shaurya Squadron for armoured regiments
The new sub-unit will integrate drones for observation and strike roles within the Armoured Corps to improve combat effectiveness.
The Indian Army is working to operationalise drones within the organic structure of its armoured regiments through the Shaurya Squadron, according to the Times of India.
The new sub-unit will serve as the fifth squadron of an armoured regiment. Currently, these regiments consist of three sabre squadrons equipped with tanks and a headquarter squadron containing a reconnaissance troop.
A source close to the issue stated that the reconnaissance troop will form the core of the new squadron, which will also include drones for observation and strike roles. The squadron could also be equipped with light tanks.
The Southern Command, based in Pune, said the embryonic squadron was tested under realistic battlefield conditions to combine precision strikes with deep surveillance and close-combat reconnaissance. The command stated the unit was designed to "seek further, strike deeper and stay longer."
This move follows the infantry and artillery in adopting drone structures. The Army has already raised the Baaz Battalion, a dedicated drone battalion under 11 Corps (Vajra Corps) in Jalandhar, which is designed to operate various platforms including Searcher drones and long-endurance systems like the MQ-9B, Heron and Hermes.
Other structural changes include the formation of Integrated Battle Groups, Bhairav battalions, Ashni platoons for the infantry, and the Shaktibaan Regiment and Divyastra Battery for the artillery.