New Delhi: The Indian Army is looking at soldier-worn drone detection and jamming technology to protect frontline troops from the growing threat of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These portable systems could help soldiers detect enemy drones and respond to potential aerial threats in forward positions.
The move reflects the growing importance of counter-drone technology in modern warfare. India is also developing and acquiring advanced systems to strengthen its defence against unmanned aerial threats. However, a specific procurement timeline for the soldier-worn equipment has not been publicly confirmed in the report.
Why The Indian Army Needs Soldier-Worn Anti-Drone Technology
Small drones have become an important part of modern warfare. They can be used for surveillance, target identification and attacks against military personnel and equipment.
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Soldiers operating in forward areas, trenches and exposed positions may face a higher risk from these drones. Traditional air-defence systems can provide protection, but larger systems may not always be available close to every soldier.
Soldier-worn counter-drone equipment could help address this challenge by giving infantry personnel portable tools to detect and respond to nearby drone threats.
The main objective is to improve battlefield awareness and provide more localised protection for troops operating in dangerous areas.
How Indian Army Wearable Anti-Drone Technology Work
Portable counter-drone equipment generally includes two main types of technology: drone detection devices and electronic countermeasure systems.
1. Drone Detection Devices
Drone detection devices help identify the presence of nearby unmanned aerial vehicles. Some systems scan radio-frequency signals associated with drones and their control links. Depending on the equipment, they may alert soldiers through audio warnings, visual indicators or other signals.
Early warning can give troops more time to assess a possible threat and follow the appropriate defensive procedures. However, not every drone continuously transmits signals that can be detected by conventional radio-frequency equipment. This makes multiple detection methods important.
2. Electronic Countermeasure And Jamming Systems
Electronic countermeasure systems are designed to interfere with certain communication or navigation signals used by drones.
Radio-frequency jammers may disrupt communication between a drone and its operator. Some systems can also interfere with satellite-navigation signals.
Depending on the drone’s design and the countermeasure system, interference may cause the aircraft to lose control links, enter a failsafe mode or become unable to complete its intended mission. However, jamming does not guarantee that every drone will land or return to its launch point. The outcome depends on the aircraft’s design, navigation capabilities and response to signal loss.
Why Portable Counter-Drone Equipment Matters For Infantry
The biggest potential advantage of soldier-worn technology is mobility. Infantry troops frequently move between positions and may operate in areas where fixed installations or vehicle-mounted systems cannot provide immediate protection.
Portable equipment could allow soldiers to carry detection or electronic countermeasure capabilities with them instead of depending entirely on larger systems.
This could help strengthen existing air-defence and electronic-warfare networks. A combination of detection equipment, portable countermeasures and larger defence systems could provide multiple layers of protection against different types of aerial threats.
Indian Army’s Wider Focus On Counter-Drone Warfare
The Army’s interest in portable protection fits into a wider shift towards technology-driven battlefield operations.
In October 2025, the Indian Army conducted Exercise VAYU SAMANVAY-II in forward areas of the Desert Sector. The exercise focused on drone and counter-drone operations, electronic warfare and coordination between aerial and ground assets.
The Army said the exercise would contribute to the development and induction of drone and counter-drone capabilities. This reflects the growing importance of preparing troops to operate in environments where unmanned systems play a major role.
In July 2026, India’s Defence Acquisition Council also approved the procurement of the AKASH TARANG anti-UAV electronic warfare system for Army formations as part of wider defence acquisition proposals. This is an officially announced counter-drone procurement approval, but it does not by itself confirm an acquisition of individual soldier-worn jammers.
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FAQs
No. Drone jammers cannot guarantee protection against every drone. Their effectiveness depends on the drone’s communication links, navigation system, autonomy and the capabilities of the countermeasure equipment.
Soldier-worn drone detection technology is portable equipment designed to alert military personnel when certain drones or their associated signals are detected nearby. Depending on the system, it may use radio-frequency sensors or other detection methods.
The report does not confirm a procurement date or a formal acquisition programme for the specific soldier-worn systems. India has announced broader counter-drone initiatives, including approval for the Army’s AKASH TARANG anti-UAV electronic warfare system, but that is not confirmation of a purchase of individual wearable jammers.
