Drones are now central to modern warfare, from the Russia-Ukraine conflict to tensions involving Iran and the United States. Drone swarms are no longer the future. They are the present.

This raises an important question: can India develop a similar counter? A possible model comes from Poland, which recently showcased an M28 light utility aircraft modified for Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) operations. It was equipped with rocket launchers, machine guns, and cannon pods.

Can India replicate this?

Yes, by leveraging the Dornier Do-228. This aircraft is already in service with the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard. It can be equipped with Thales FZ 70 mm rocket pods, already used on HAL Rudra Mk-4 and the LCH Prachand.

Such a platform could operate at altitudes of around 2,500 metres, specifically configured for CUAS roles. For armament, door-mounted options could include the Zen Technologies 4-barrel rotary machine gun, FN Herstal M3M, GAU-21, or the M2HB Browning, all chambered in .50 calibre. The GAU-21 is already deployed on HAL Dhruv ALH Mk-3 MR helicopters in service with the Navy and Coast Guard.

For targeting and fire control, systems like the Elbit Systems Spectro XR camera and the KNDS THL-20 turret could be integrated. These are already used on Indian platforms such as the Dhruv ALH, Rudra, and LCH Prachand. Together, these systems could be pilot-controlled, providing precision engagement capability.

Additionally, wing-mounted FN M3P machine gun pods, with a firing rate of 1,100 rounds per minute, could further enhance the platform’s effectiveness.

Ayaan Ahmad and Arjun Dev Singh