India plans to buy more "heron" drones and drones to play a bigger role in border security.
Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, July 20, original title: China-India border dispute: Drones prove their value at high altitudes As China and India work to resolve their border disputes in the Himalayas, they are playing an increasingly important role. According to Indian media reports, the Indian government plans to buy more "heron" drones from Israel, the United States "Predator B" drones have been included in the purchase list. China has used drones extensively in a months-long standoff between the two sides along the Physical Control Line (LAC). Earlier this month, Beijing released photos of Indian troops' activities in the Galvan Valley, most likely taken by drones.
"Drones can easily reach places that humans cannot reach and monitor important locations that are difficult to patrol," said Zhou Chenming, a military analyst. The quality and quantity of Indian drones are at a disadvantage. "
The Indian army has about 70 herons. In 2018, one of the planes crashed in China after crossing LAC near the Donglang area. A year ago, another unidentified Indian drone crashed across the border.
By contrast, China is the world's largest producer and exporter of drones. Earlier this year, Chinese military drones took part in live-fire drills in Tibet, firing different types of guided bombs and missiles at targets on the ground. The Chinese military also uses drones to deliver food, medicine and ammunition to places where motor vehicles cannot reach.
"For India, the process of purchasing drones is slow and limited. State-of-the-art drones aren't cheap - except made in China, so I don't think their drones can suppress China in the border areas. Zhou said.
