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Post in thread 'Ghatak UAV/UCAV' https://defenceforumbharat.com/threads/ghatak-uav-ucav.246/post-159430
MQ9B with SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian upgrade potential are world class force multipliers. If MQ9B are used as Tapas & Heron or as UCAV then they will be placed in unwarranted risk. They can be easily shot down as seen in Houthis theatre.These are for surveillance. Very cheap drone . I bet archer drone is cheaper given the Tapas drone which is bigger costs only rs 40-45 crores . So archer I guess ll be far cheaper than TB2 . Now compare that to cost of predator drone which we are paying 4 billion dollars for 31 drone. Of course predator fly high and lasts longer , but still 4 billion dollars
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It is meant to be used as a reconnaissance platform, while being armed. It can be useful against an advancing mechanised formation while carrying 4x ATGMs, and can operate along side attack helicopters in anti-tank operations. Even if lost, these are extremely cheap to make with high rates of production.I don't know how effective these will be in a contested zone like India-Pakistan border, TB2 and Akinci were missing in the recent skirmish. I feel Nagastra type recoverable loitering munition are better suited to work in contested battlefields.
View: https://x.com/DefenceDecode/status/1932323850181611602
It is meant to be used as a reconnaissance platform, while being armed. It can be useful against an advancing mechanised formation while carrying 4x ATGMs, and can operate along side attack helicopters in anti-tank operations. Even if lost, these are extremely cheap to make with high rates of production.
Also when I said "outdated" I don't mean to say archer is useless in its role, I meant there are "better alternatives" out there to fulfill the same role.Or you can use reconnaissance even cheaper roconossense drone( hand launched can still give 6-10 endurance) mode( can also add warhead In it to make it kamikaze if needed) and pair them with switchboard another loitering munition which are pretty common, each drone will cost similar or less than an atgm that archer will carry.
Both russia and China and ukraine too who have developed similar drones, have not put them in service instead use the methods I just talked about.
We already had a discussion about archer being outdated concept now with the emergence of these drones now few months back.
Here, you can scroll and read the discussion.
Post in thread 'DRDO and PSUs' https://defenceforumbharat.com/threads/drdo-and-psus.23/post-97240
Archer has good export potential for smaller countriesAlso when I said "outdated" I don't mean to say archer is useless in its role, I meant there are "better alternatives" out there to fulfill the same role.
Archer has good export potential for smaller countries
Archer has good export potential for smaller countries
I don't know how effective these will be in a contested zone like India-Pakistan border, TB2 and Akinci were missing in the recent skirmish. I feel Nagastra type recoverable loitering munition are better suited to work in contested battlefields.
I disagree, I think it should be a very fluid approach if drones are to be effective. It's about priorities, battle situation and mission profile. Quality over quantity when trying to use them in a rather electronic dense battle field. Imagine using drones against defensive stations like radars or other electronic jamming equipment or battlefields supported by extensive jammers. If your drone isn't of high enough quality the jammers can take down the cheaper drones (minus FPV drones).With Drone it is more with Quantity vs Quality approach. Rustom 1 can carry EO Sensor and can be armed with ATGM, ULPGM. A cheap platform with Decent firepower, we can degrade the Enemy ADS system by Kamikaze drone or drone like this.