DefinePK

Abstract

Drones are changing the face of modern warfare and have emerged as a potent weapon of choice in recent wars, including in Nagorno Karabakh and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The success of drones on the battlefield has spurred states to acquire UAVs forintelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capabilities. In South Asia, the export of drones to India by extra-regional powers such as the United States and Israel is disturbing the regional military balance. The United States has approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B Reaper drones and missiles to India, while Israel has supplied the Indian military with Heron and Hermes 900 drones. In addition, India’s DRDO has recently invested in building a home-grown industry that can design and assemble drones and indigenously make the components that go into the manufacturing process. In line with this, the Indian government has set the ambitious target of becoming a global drone hub by 2030. This research paper will employ Barry Buzan and Ole Wæver’s Regional Security Complex Theory to understand how India’s development and acquisition of high-tech drone technology contributes to security dilemma for Pakistan and imperils peace and stability in the region.