From border watch to deep strikes: Army raises first Baaz drone battalion
The Indian Army has established its first dedicated drone battalion, the Baaz Battalion, to enhance surveillance and offensive capabilities along the Punjab border. This move is part of a broader integration of unmanned aerial systems, including loitering munitions and quadcopters, across infantry, artillery, and armoured units.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in Indian military doctrine toward high-tech, automated warfare to secure sensitive border regions.
The Army has raised its first dedicated drone battalion along the western front with Pakistan, marking a significant step in the force's ongoing post-Operation Sindoor transformation. The newly formed unit, christened the Baaz Battalion, will function under the Jalandhar-based 11 Corps, also known as the Vajra Corps, which oversees some of the most sensitive stretches of the India-Pakistan border in northern Punjab.The name Baaz, meaning hawk in Hindi, was chosen deliberately, reflecting the bird of prey's sharp vision, long-range tracking ability and precision in identifying targets.
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