Drones disrupt but don’t win wars, India needs full arsenal

Drones have proven to be effective tactical tools in conflicts like Ukraine and Iran but are not substitutes for conventional military platforms such as fighter aircraft, warships, and missiles, according to an analysis. While unmanned systems have disrupted adversaries and inflicted significant costs, they have not achieved strategic victory, Russia continues its campaign in Ukraine despite persistent drone attacks, and Iran has not matched the comprehensive power of the US and Israel.

The economic argument for drones, comparing a cheap drone to a costly missile, is misleading because it ignores the costs of jamming, interception, and supporting infrastructure like communications and industrial capacity. Defenders are also evolving with electronic warfare and directed-energy weapons. India, therefore, must maintain a balanced military with both advanced conventional systems and drones.