The decade 2010–20 witnessed an upsurge of unmanned aerial systems. Alternatively known as drones, they are generating employment in different sectors including both civilian and defence. Goldman Sachs reported about a US$ 100 billion drone market between 2016 and 2020. In addition to its growing demand in commercial and government sectors, drones provide a cheaper and safer option for the armed forces as an alternative to manned aircraft. Applications of the drone in the Nagorno–Karabakh conflict and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war have unleashed its growing importance on the battlefield.
Ukraine’s security predicament in the face of the Russian military onslaught brings into focus the vacuity of big power security assurances in the absence of legally binding security guarantees and treaty commitments.
Defence Procurement: Negative Lists with Positive Implications
The defence indigenisation lists are expected to promote domestic arms manufacturing and reduce the burden of arms imports.