New Delhi: The Indian Army is evaluating the potential of wearable counter-drone technology to protect frontline soldiers from the growing threat posed by small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have become increasingly important in modern warfare.
The proliferation of compact and relatively inexpensive drones has transformed battlefield operations, enabling aerial surveillance, reconnaissance and targeted attacks against troops in exposed positions. Soldier-worn detection and jamming systems could provide infantry personnel with immediate, localised protection without depending entirely on larger vehicle-mounted or fixed counter-drone installations.
Portable counter-drone equipment generally comprises detection devices and electronic countermeasure systems. Wearable detectors scan for drone radio frequencies and control signals, alerting soldiers to potential threats through audio or visual warnings. Electronic countermeasure jammers, meanwhile, seek to disrupt communication or navigation links between a drone and its operator, potentially forcing the UAV to land or return to its launch point.
For the Indian Army, such equipment could complement existing air-defence and electronic-warfare capabilities by extending protection to individual soldiers and small infantry units operating in forward areas.
However, deploying wearable systems presents several practical challenges. Battery endurance, equipment weight, effective operating range and ease of use are critical considerations, particularly for soldiers carrying substantial combat loads. Conventional radio-frequency jammers may also be less effective against autonomous drones that can navigate and execute missions without continuous communication with an operator.
Indigenous Counter-Drone Solutions
India’s domestic defence sector has been developing portable technologies to address the evolving UAV threat. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the Jammer Anti-UAV (JAU) system. Private-sector offerings include the Indrajaal Trooper, described as a backpack-mounted drone-defence system, and the portable Trishul Anti-Drone Gun, designed to disrupt drone telemetry and GPS signals.
These systems reflect a broader shift towards layered counter-drone protection, combining surveillance, electronic warfare and other defensive measures to respond to different types of aerial threats.
While wearable technology could improve the ability of frontline troops to detect and respond to hostile drones, its operational suitability would depend on performance under battlefield conditions, compatibility with existing military systems and the nature of the threats encountered.
The Indian Army’s specific procurement timeline remains unconfirmed. No publicly released formal tender, detailed technical specifications or commercial trial schedule has been identified in the information available to indicate an imminent acquisition programme.
The evaluation of soldier-worn counter-drone capabilities highlights the growing importance of portable electronic warfare and individual force protection as militaries adapt to the changing character of modern combat.
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