New Delhi: Helicopter units of the Indian Air Force have initiated a specialized counter-unmanned aerial system exercise, titled Exercise Rotor Clap-III, in the desert terrain of Rajasthan. The strategic drill focuses on validating operational concepts and enhancing tactical preparedness against evolving aerial threats across modern battlefields. The exercise features live-firing drills involving advanced air-to-air missiles and rockets aimed at simulating real-world anti-drone engagements.
A wide variety of aerial platforms are actively participating in the operational maneuvers, showcasing integrated rotary-wing capabilities. The deployment includes attack helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache, Mi-25/35, and the domestically built Prachand helicopter gunship, working Alongside heavy-lift and utility platforms including the Chinook, Mi-17, and Dhruv. Together, these units are refining multi-layered interception tactics designed to address the increasing prevalence of offensive unmanned aerial vehicles.
The rapid proliferation of military and commercial drones by state and non-state actors has presented new challenges for global defense establishments, prompting the continuous evolution of counter-drone strategies. To counter hostile reconnaissance and kamikaze drones effectively, defence forces rely on an integrated airspace surveillance network combining radar systems, radio frequency detectors, and electro-optical sensors. Neutralisation techniques range from soft-kill electronic warfare methods, such as signal jamming and spoofing, to hard-kill kinetic measures utilizing guns, lasers, and interceptors.
To further bolster mobile anti-drone capabilities, the Indian Air Force is exploring plans to equip rotary-wing aircraft with artificial intelligence-embedded radars, tactical jammers, and micro-missiles designed to track and destroy small, low-flying targets. Mobile airborne units offer critical flexibility, filling coverage gaps in ground-based defence systems and deploying rapidly to remote forward areas without requiring runway infrastructure. Additionally, efforts remain underway across armed services to field loitering munitions and interceptor platforms to maintain air superiority in contested operational zones.
