DRDO Chief Kamat has outlined a strategic pivot towards drone technology, emphasizing the development of high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) systems and counter-drone capabilities to enhance India’s defense posture by 2026. This initiative seeks to integrate cutting-edge innovations through collaboration with industries and academia, ensuring robust solutions for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) needs across diverse terrains, notably the Himalayas. The focus on unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) aims to advance autonomous strike capabilities, while DRDO’s partnerships with private firms like Tata and L&T will accelerate manufacturing. This comprehensive approach marks a significant shift in India’s military capabilities, potentially redefining its strategic dynamics in South Asia by ensuring drone superiority alongside strong defenses against adversarial UAV threats.