India’s lack of surveillance during the 1999 Kargil conflict became apparent. Identifying enemy positions was delayed. Notably, an IAF pilot innovated by flying a MiG-21 with a Handycam to record enemy sites, enabling accurate strikes. Now, 25 years later, India’s government has taken two crucial steps to boost surveillance and security: approving Predator Drone procurement from the US and the Space Based Surveillance III initiative. Both actions will enhance strategic surveillance and send a powerful signal in the region. The CCS has sanctioned the purchase of 31 MQ-9B weaponized UCAVs for the three services under the Foreign Military.
