On today’s frontline, a soldier’s kit is a force multiplier: a rifle that talks to drones, and drones that map the road ahead.

Indian Army modernization: Carbines and Drone Platoons

India’s defence establishment is pursuing a sweeping upgrade of its infantry with a dual focus: modern close-quarters carbines and a new generation of autonomous and semi-autonomous drones. The outline, disclosed in government statements and reporting from Hindustan Times, signals a deliberate shift from decades-old weapons to networked tools that improve speed, accuracy, and battlefield awareness.

At the heart of the plan is a large-scale carbines procurement: a package worth about ₹2,770 crore for 4.25 lakh modern carbines. The aim is to replace older weapons based on a 1940s design and to give front-line troops better firepower, reliability, and compatibility with new optics and data links. Deliveries are expected to start within a year as the army pushes to field this kit across its units.

Alongside new rifles, the army is raising 380 specialist drone platoons named Ashni. Each platoon is built around 20–25 soldiers and tailored for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and loitering-munition missions. In practice, this means drones that can scout routes, spot threats in real time, and even deliver precision effects when authorized — a capability the service has been testing for months.

In parallel, the Indian Army plans to deploy 25 Bhairav light commandos battalions over the next six months to bolster mobility and combat reach in difficult terrain. This expansion supports a broader shift to more autonomous and mobile formations that can operate at standoff distances while maintaining responsiveness on the ground.

Source details and procurement routes add a layer of complexity. The Javelin anti-tank weapon is being acquired through an emergency procurement route, with 12 launchers and 104 missiles on the way. The drone and ISR assets, in turn, will be complemented by six types of loitering munitions and four drone platforms to cover a range of ISR and attack roles. The contracts for the drones and related systems have been split between private vendors in a 60:40 ratio, with Bharat Forge leading the first tranche and Adani Group’s PLR Systems handling the second.

According to Hindustan Times, the army has completed the raising of 380 Ashni drone platoons across infantry battalions and is moving to embed the drone-mastery into frontline units. The deliveries will begin in a year, enabling a quicker integration of sensors, autonomy, and precision effects into routine operations. The goal is not just more toys; it is a transformational upgrade to battlefield transparency and decision speed.

For defense planners, the message is clear: this is not a one-off purchase. It marks a shift toward networked infantry where data from drones, sensors, and shooters converges at the company and battalion level. The aim is to reduce risk, improve kill chains, and empower younger soldiers with better situational awareness on every mission.

What the Ashni drone platoons bring

Ashni platoons are designed to fuse ISR and loitering-munition capabilities with a compact, mobile infantry unit. The drones provide real-time mapping of routes, detection of obstacles, and the ability to mark targets for precision strikes, while loitering munitions offer a controlled means to neutralize threats at standoff ranges. This combination helps reduce exposure for soldiers while expanding the battlefield’s visible space.

Industry and policy implications

Private-sector participation is expanding. The 60:40 contract split underscores a new model where Indian firms like Bharat Forge and PLR Systems become integral to frontline modernization. This creates scale for domestic defense manufacturing and could portend greater export ambitions if the Technology maturity continues. Regulators will monitor export controls, data sovereignty, and supplier vetting as more drones and data links come into service.

Operational and future outlook

Operationally, the move advances the Army’s objective of battlefield transparency, rapid decision cycles, and better survivability. If the Ashni program meets its milestones, the infantry will become more lethal and agile, able to operate in shared airspace with unmanned assets. The broader trend is toward a more digitally connected force that uses drones not just for eyes in the sky but as active participants in combat scenarios.

In the longer run, India’s defense ecosystem could see additional investment in domestic drone designs, improved manufacturing capacity, and further private-public partnerships. The current push signals a future where frontline units rely on a tightly woven mix of rifles, drones, and data — a model other nations are watching closely.

Conclusion

India’s infantry modernization plan stands out for its breadth and speed. By pairing high-volume carbines with a drone-enabled command network, the Indian Army aims to shorten the kill chain, reduce risk to soldiers, and sharpen its edge in a challenging regional security environment. If successful, the Ashni drone platoons will redefine how frontline troops see, decide, and act on the battlefield.