Bangladesh has positioned Turkish-manufactured Bayraktar TB2 drones at its border with India, reflecting the strategic importance witnessed in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, where Azerbaijan effectively used these drones to triumph over Armenia. As military dynamics change, the deployment causes worries for India, highlighting to observers that contemporary warfare increasingly advantages the party with better drone technology.
Why Is Bangladesh Enhancing Its Drones?
The Bangladesh Army employs Bayraktar TB2 drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks, and their strategic deployment has captured India’s attention, leading the Border Security Force (BSF) to enhance its surveillance activities.
Features And Capabilities Of Bayraktar TB2 Drones
These drones are capable of flying as far as 300 kilometers and transporting precision missiles, showcasing a significant ability to strike armored targets with laser-guided weapons. India’s military is contemplating counter-drone strategies, such as utilizing sophisticated drones like the Heron TP. This advancement points to increased military alertness from both parties in light of already tense bilateral relations. The increasing military strength in the area highlights the changing power dynamics shaped by contemporary drone technology.
With a flight time surpassing 24 hours and a range near 300 kilometres, TB2 drones successfully infiltrate extensive enemy areas to eliminate targets, frequently creating a terrifying noise that psychologically affects opponents. Their efficiency was clearly shown during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, where Azerbaijan’s deployment of TB2 drones resulted in considerable victories over the Armenian forces. Although Armenia depended on conventional military gear, their absence of anti-drone technologies made them susceptible to the TB2s, leading to significant losses of military resources.
Role Played By TB2 Against Armenian Forces
With a flying duration exceeding 24 hours and a reach close to 300 kilometres, TB2 drones effectively penetrate large enemy territories to strike targets, often producing a daunting sound that impacts adversaries psychologically. Their effectiveness was evident in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, where Azerbaijan’s use of TB2 drones led to significant victories against the Armenian troops. While Armenia relied on traditional military equipment, their lack of anti-drone technologies left them vulnerable to the TB2s, resulting in considerable losses of military assets.
India Defences By Enhancing Its Drones
India is proactively enhancing its drone capabilities to address the escalating drone threats from its neighboring countries. In October, a major agreement was made to acquire 31 Predator drones from the US for Rs 32,000 crore, designated for the Navy, Air Force, and Army. These drones are equipped with sophisticated armaments such as AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and laser-guided Small Diameter Bombs, improving combat efficiency. The Indian Army has also incorporated four Heron Mark-II drones from Israel.
Simultaneously, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing the Tapas BH-201, a MALE-class drone, but it is still pending induction because of certification issues. The Tapas has shown restricted stamina and elevation, not meeting military standards. In March, India bolstered its defenses with homegrown Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems that can shoot down and jam drones, increasing detection range to 7-8 kilometers. In general, India stays alert and ready to tackle the new dangers presented by drones in contemporary combat.
<!– Published on: Saturday, December 07, 2024, 02:06 PM IST –>
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