The infantryman has always evolved with the battlefield. The Lee-Enfield gave way to the self-loading rifle, the INSAS and, today, weapons such as the AK-203 and SIG716. Night sights, body armour, secure communications and better anti-tank weapons steadily expanded what a soldier could do. But the latest transformation goes far beyond the rifle. Modern infantry increasingly operates alongside drones, thermal and optical sights, digital communications, counter-drone systems and precision weapons. The proliferation of FPV drones and loitering munitions in recent conflicts has also brought aerial surveillance and attack down to the level of small tactical units.&nbsp;WATCH:&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKwKXwYedeg&amp;list=PLKwyKu6LhauQ&amp;index=5"></oembed></figure> India is adapting to this battlefield. The Army has been developing new formations including Bhairav battalions and Ashni drone platoons, while UAS and counter-UAS capabilities have emerged as key modernisation priorities. The result could fundamentally change what it means to be an infantryman.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-weapons-stockpiles-military-bases-hit-in-iran-war-shortfall-of-munitions-us-watchdog-report-1789447762446">US weapons stockpiles, military bases hit in Iran war, shortfall of munitions: US watchdog report</a> And according to Colonel Shekhar Attri (Retd.), a decorated Indian Army Special Forces veteran and former Commanding Officer of 12 PARA (SF), the biggest change may be what the soldier can see, rather than what he can shoot. Speaking on WION's Defence Pulse, Attri summed it up strikingly. “The next war, he carries less of what he will shoot with and more of what he will see with”, he said. Attri argues that modern warfare is increasingly about shortening the OODA loop: observe, orient, decide and act. Technology is giving even small infantry teams far greater battlefield awareness. Drawing from his own combat experience, he recalled how troops could spend several nights in an ambush without knowing what was happening beyond nearby terrain. Today, a section commander could simply launch a quadcopter. “What would take four hours to climb a hill is done in four minutes.” But more technology does not necessarily mean more equipment. Attri believes soldiers need fewer systems that they can operate instinctively when combat begins. “Technology does win before the contact. But training is what wins during the war.” And perhaps the biggest revolution is the drone itself. Attri says drones have already gone beyond the role once occupied by the machine gun. “The drone is now every rank’s weapon.” His warning is that armies cannot afford a slow learning curve. “With drones, we do not have 20 years. Maybe two.” The soldier therefore remains at the centre of battle. But the rifleman is increasingly becoming something more: a shooter, sensor, drone operator and node in a much larger weapons network.

India is adapting to this battlefield. The Army has been developing new formations, including Bhairav battalions and Ashni drone platoons, while UAS and counter-UAS capabilities have emerged as key modernisation priorities. 

The infantryman has always evolved with the battlefield. The Lee-Enfield gave way to the self-loading rifle, the INSAS and, today, weapons such as the AK-203 and SIG716. Night sights, body armour, secure communications and better anti-tank weapons steadily expanded what a soldier could do. But the latest transformation goes far beyond the rifle. Modern infantry increasingly operates alongside drones, thermal and optical sights, digital communications, counter-drone systems and precision weapons. The proliferation of FPV drones and loitering munitions in recent conflicts has also brought aerial surveillance and attack down to the level of small tactical units. WATCH: India is adapting to this battlefield. The Army has been developing new formations including Bhairav battalions and Ashni drone platoons, while UAS and counter-UAS capabilities have emerged as key modernisation priorities. The result could fundamentally change what it means to be an infantryman. Also read: US weapons stockpiles, military bases hit in Iran war, shortfall of munitions: US watchdog report And according to Colonel Shekhar Attri (Retd.), a decorated Indian Army Special Forces veteran and former Commanding Officer of 12 PARA (SF), the biggest change may be what the soldier can see, rather than what he can shoot. Speaking on WION's Defence Pulse, Attri summed it up strikingly. “The next war, he carries less of what he will shoot with and more of what he will see with”, he said. Attri argues that modern warfare is increasingly about shortening the OODA loop: observe, orient, decide and act. Technology is giving even small infantry teams far greater battlefield awareness. Drawing from his own combat experience, he recalled how troops could spend several nights in an ambush without knowing what was happening beyond nearby terrain. Today, a section commander could simply launch a quadcopter. “What would take four hours to climb a hill is done in four minutes.” But more technology does not necessarily mean more equipment. Attri believes soldiers need fewer systems that they can operate instinctively when combat begins. “Technology does win before the contact. But training is what wins during the war.” And perhaps the biggest revolution is the drone itself. Attri says drones have already gone beyond the role once occupied by the machine gun. “The drone is now every rank’s weapon.” His warning is that armies cannot afford a slow learning curve. “With drones, we do not have 20 years. Maybe two.” The soldier therefore remains at the centre of battle. But the rifleman is increasingly becoming something more: a shooter, sensor, drone operator and node in a much larger weapons network.

India is adapting to this battlefield. The Army has been developing new formations, including Bhairav battalions and Ashni drone platoons, while UAS and counter-UAS capabilities have emerged as key modernisation priorities.&nbsp;

‘Technology wins before contact. Training wins the war’: How drones are reinventing India’s infantryman

Nepal Floods 2026: With roads and bridges destroyed and helicopters heavily engaged in search and rescue operations, the Nepal Army is turning to drones to deliver essential relief supplies to displaced communities.

At least 1,367 people have been confirmed dead and more than 5,000 remain missing following the devastating floods triggered after a Himalayan glacier broke off near the Nepal-China border in late August.

The army is using drones to transport food, medicines, fuel and other essentials to communities that remain difficult to reach by conventional methods. The drones can operate across distances of around 3 to 4 kilometres and carry up to 60 kilograms of supplies in a single trip.

The Nepal Army is currently making around 10 to 16 aid deliveries each day using four DJI FlyCart 100 drones donated by China as part of a recent aid package.


Nepal floods: Army uses Chinese drones to deliver aid amid devastation 

India's defence industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, with production crossing ₹1.78 lakh crore and exports reaching record levels. New drones, missiles, fighter jets and artillery systems are moving from drawing boards to production lines. But a critical question remains: can India manufacture advanced weapons fast enough to meet military demands? As global conflicts show the importance of rapid innovation and mass production, India's next challenge is no longer designing weapons—it's building them at scale and on time.


The next arms race may be about who can innovate & build fastest

Drones are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of India's military strategy. What began as a tool for surveillance and reconnaissance has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem of strike drones, loitering munitions, AI-powered systems, and autonomous platforms. As modern warfare increasingly shifts from hardware to software, algorithms and data are becoming as critical as tanks and fighter jets. From monitoring borders to conducting precision strikes, drones are redefining how India prepares for future conflicts, making unmanned warfare a key pillar of national defence.


India’s drone revolution: How unmanned warfare is transforming defence

India is rapidly expanding its surveillance architecture with a combination of 52 planned satellites, advanced drones, border sensors and integrated command networks. The effort aims to provide persistent monitoring across land, sea, air and space domains. Lessons from recent conflicts have highlighted the growing importance of real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). By linking satellites, drones and battlefield sensors into a common network, India hopes to improve threat detection, target tracking and military decision-making while strengthening border security and maritime awareness.

India's multi-layered watch: The new surveillance war

Drones have evolved from simple surveillance tools into some of the most influential weapons on the modern battlefield. From Ukraine's reported strike on a Lukoil refinery deep inside Russia to the UAE's use of steel cages to protect fuel infrastructure from drone attacks, militaries are rapidly adapting to a new era of warfare. As drones become cheaper, smarter and more lethal, they are reshaping military strategy, forcing nations to rethink defence systems and redefining how wars are fought in the 21st century.


Drone warfare: Race now on to build cheaper, smarter & more deadly drones

AI, autonomy and advanced sensors are changing drones from remotely controlled aircraft into smarter systems that can navigate, analyse data and work with other unmanned platforms, opening new possibilities across defence, industry and logistics.

AI, autonomy and advanced sensors are changing drones from remotely controlled aircraft into smarter systems that can navigate, analyse data and work with other unmanned platforms, opening new possibilities across defence, industry and logistics.

Why drone technology could be one of the biggest tech trends to watch

The Houthi rebels are expanding their role in the West Asia conflict by targeting Saudi oil tankers and tightening their maritime blockade in the Red Sea. Yemeni authorities accuse the Iran-backed group of copying Tehran's strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

With attacks on energy infrastructure, threats to global shipping, and reports that the Houthis may seek to charge vessels for safe passage, concerns are growing over the security of one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

Houthis Copy Iran’s Strategy? Red Sea Blockade Threatens Global Shipping

West Asia's security landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation following the Iran conflict. Saudi Arabia is advancing its civilian nuclear ambitions, Turkey is seeking to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program, and regional powers are rapidly reassessing their military strategies and deterrence capabilities. The shifting balance of power has reignited concerns about a possible regional arms race. While Saudi Arabia deepens its strategic ties with the United States and maintains close defense cooperation with Pakistan, Turkey is pushing to regain access to fifth-generation stealth fighters. Meanwhile, Israel continues to maintain one of the region's most advanced militaries under its long-standing policy of nuclear ambiguity.

West Asia on edge | Iran war sparks fears of Nuclear Arms race as Saudi Arabia and Turkey Rearm

Israel's government is reportedly considering a total ban on the use of civilian drones in Israeli airspace. According to Israel's N12 news, the reason is due to growing fears of a potential Iranian attack against Israel. The report cited an Israeli security cabinet meeting at which the issue was discussed.   

Israel mulls national drone ban after Iran claims to have tripled drone production

The Farnborough Airshow 2026 showcased the future of military aviation, with AI-powered Loyal Wingman drones emerging as one of the biggest highlights. Designed to fly alongside fighter jets, these autonomous aircraft are set to transform aerial warfare with advanced AI, surveillance, electronic warfare, and combat capabilities. Watch this report from Farnborough Airshow.

AI Loyal Wingman drone | Future of air combat  | Farnborough Airshow 2026

Driven by the Pentagon's Replicator initiative, the US Navy is deploying thousands of highly autonomous surface and underwater drones capable of executing complex missions, including recent historic rescue operations, without human intervention.

Driven by the Pentagon's Replicator initiative, the US Navy is deploying thousands of highly autonomous surface and underwater drones capable of executing complex missions, including recent historic rescue operations, without human intervention.

From Combat to Rescue: Why are US sea drones considered among the most advanced in the world

While drones are cheaper, the AH-64E Apache remains vital in 2026 due to its overwhelming firepower and Manned-Unmanned Teaming capabilities. Acting as an airborne command hub, the Apache can directly control drone swarms, blending manned survivability with unmanned intelligence.


While drones are cheaper, the AH-64E Apache remains vital in 2026 due to its overwhelming firepower and Manned-Unmanned Teaming capabilities. Acting as an airborne command hub, the Apache can directly control drone swarms, blending manned survivability with unmanned intelligence.

Apache helicopter vs drones: Is this war machine still relevant in 2026?

According to the United States Central Command, the US military has intercepted and destroyed two Iranian one-way attack drones that were assessed to pose a threat to international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM said American forces operating in West Asia successfully shot down the drones after they were identified as threatening commercial and international shipping routes in the strategically important waterway. The military command added that U.S. forces remain on high alert and are prepared to respond to any further threats in the region.


US Military Destroys Two Iranian Drones 'Threatening Maritime Traffic in Hormuz'

Russia has launched a major wave of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, killing at least 18 people and causing widespread damage. The attacks targeted multiple regions, including Kyiv, as the conflict enters another intense phase. Ukrainian authorities say emergency services are responding while air defence systems remain on high alert.


Ukraine Faces One of the War's Biggest Air Assaults, Zelensky: US Air Defence Absolutely Necessary

Representatives of IDF personnel stationed in southern Lebanon contacted fishermen on the Sea of ​​Galilee over the past week, asking to purchase or receive donations of fishing nets to bolster defenses against the threat of Hezbollah drone attacks.

IDF Borrow Nets to Defend Against Hezbollah Drones

Lithuania has lifted its security alert after suspected drones approaching from Belarus triggered heightened vigilance along the border. Authorities closely monitored the situation amid growing concerns over airspace violations and regional security risks in Eastern Europe.


Lithuania Lifts Alert After Suspected Drones Approaching from Belarus

Ukraine launched one of its most extensive drone assaults on the Moscow region, using over 1,000 locally made drones to target high-value infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry reported downing over 3,000 Ukrainian drones over the past week as the aerial conflict intensified. 


Ukraine Launches Biggest Deep Strike on Moscow; Russia Downs Over 3,000 Ukrainian Drones Last Week

Donald Trump’s sons are rapidly expanding the family’s business footprint into emerging sectors including drones, cryptocurrency, and strategic minerals. Reports say the Trump-backed group is supporting a major tungsten project with investments and financing estimated at nearly $1.6 billion. The expansion reflects growing interest in industries tied to defense technology, critical supply chains, and digital finance as geopolitical competition and resource security become increasingly important worldwide.


Trump's Sons Expand Business Into Drones, Crypto & Minerals

A baffling security scare has emerged in New Jersey after 15 industrial spray drones reportedly went missing under suspicious circumstances. Investigators say forged documents may have been used to trick a logistics firm into releasing the equipment. Authorities are now probing the possibility of a bioterror threat, especially as the theft follows a series of unexplained drone sightings across the state, raising alarm over how such technology could be misused.


Drone Mystery Deepens In New Jersey: 15 Industrial Units Vanish, Bioterror Fears Raised 

#Gravitas In the run-up to the weeks-long war with Israel and the United States, Iran’s military establishment reportedly systematically studied the Russia-Ukraine war and accordingly adapted its military plans.


Iran’s Ukraine War Playbook: Drones, AI & a New Battle Strategy

Russian strikes have killed at least 16 people in Ukraine, according to local authorities, after Moscow launched a wave of attacks on its neighbour overnight.

Moscow has fired missiles as well as hundreds of drones on its neighbour almost nightly since the beginning of the four-year war, with Kyiv regularly carrying out strikes within Russia in response to its attacks.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Launched BIGGEST Wave of Drones on Ukraine; 14 Killed

The US Navy counters deadly sea mines using airborne lasers, Avenger-class ships, and Mk 18 Kingfish drones. By deploying $100,000 SeaFox neutralisers and AI sonar, the military safely destroys underwater explosives without risking human divers.


The US Navy counters deadly sea mines using airborne lasers, Avenger-class ships, and Mk 18 Kingfish drones. By deploying $100,000 SeaFox neutralisers and AI sonar, the military safely destroys underwater explosives without risking human divers.

‘Mine clearance’: How the US Navy deals with underwater mine risks

The US Navy is deploying advanced underwater drones to clear Iranian sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Guarded by guided-missile destroyers, these robots use sonar and remote explosives to safely disarm the threats without risking sailors.

The US Navy is deploying advanced underwater drones to clear Iranian sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Guarded by guided-missile destroyers, these robots use sonar and remote explosives to safely disarm the threats without risking sailors.

‘Underwater threat’: Why the US military is relying on drones to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz

Terra Drone has partnered with Ukrainian start-up Amazing Drones to develop and expand production of low-cost interceptor drones, marking Tokyo’s growing role in Ukraine’s defense technology sector. The collaboration includes investment and the joint rollout of the new Terra A1 interceptor drone, designed to counter hostile UAV threats at far lower cost than traditional missile defenses.


Japan's Terra Drone Partners Ukrainian Start-Up | Low-Cost Interceptor Drones in Focus 

Turkey's Defence Ministry said that NATO forces had intercepted a new missile fired from Iran, the fourth since the start of the Middle East war. None of the four projectiles managed to hit Turkish soil. The ​incident marked the fourth such incident ​since the start of the U.S.-Iraeli war with Iran, following three earlier ​interceptions by NATO systems ​earlier this month that prompted Ankara to ‌protest ⁠and warn Tehran. Tehran has denied in the previous three incidents that it authorised such launches ​and ​has asked ⁠Ankara to form a joint investigation into ​the matter.


BREAKING: Iran Fires Missile at Turkey, NATO Downs Fourth Missile

India’s indigenous Ghatak stealth combat drone programme is drawing fresh attention as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) accelerates development of next-generation unmanned strike capabilities. Designed as a stealth flying-wing Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), the Ghatak drone is expected to carry precision-guided weapons and penetrate heavily defended airspace without risking pilots’ lives.


India: Indigenous Ghatak Drones in Spotlight; Drones Being Developed by DRDO

A drone has been spotted over a US Army base in Washington, where senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have official residences.

According to reports, multiple unidentified drones were detected over Fort McNair on at least one night in recent days, prompting heightened security measures and internal discussions at the White House.

Officials have not yet identified the origin or intent of the drones, raising concerns about surveillance and potential security vulnerabilities at one of the most sensitive military locations in the US.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, with US authorities closely monitoring possible threats.

US-Iran War: Drone Breach at US Military Base Housing Rubio, Hegseth

The war between Israel and Iran has intensified, with Tehran launching a massive wave of missiles and drones toward Israeli territory. According to security assessments, more than 290 missiles and over 500 drones have been fired at Israel during the ongoing conflict.


Israel-Iran War: Iran Unleashes 290 Missiles, 500 Drones on Israel Amid War

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‘Technology wins before contact. Training wins the war’: How drones are reinventing India’s infantryman

Nepal floods: Army uses Chinese drones to deliver aid amid devastation

The next arms race may be about who can innovate & build fastest

India’s drone revolution: How unmanned warfare is transforming defence

India's multi-layered watch: The new surveillance war

Drone warfare: Race now on to build cheaper, smarter & more deadly drones

Why drone technology could be one of the biggest tech trends to watch

Houthis Copy Iran’s Strategy? Red Sea Blockade Threatens Global Shipping

West Asia on edge | Iran war sparks fears of Nuclear Arms race as Saudi Arabia and Turkey Rearm

Israel mulls national drone ban after Iran claims to have tripled drone production

AI Loyal Wingman drone | Future of air combat | Farnborough Airshow 2026

AI Loyal Wingman drone | Future of air combat | Farnborough Airshow 2026

Why are US sea drones considered among the most advanced in the world

Apache helicopter vs drones: Is this war machine still relevant in 2026?

US Military Destroys Two Iranian Drones 'Threatening Maritime Traffic in Hormuz'

Ukraine Faces One of the War's Biggest Air Assaults, Zelensky: US Air Defence Absolutely Necessary

IDF Borrow Nets to Defend Against Hezbollah Drones

Lithuania Lifts Alert After Suspected Drones Approaching from Belarus

Ukraine Launches Biggest Deep Strike on Moscow; Russia Downs Over 3,000 Ukrainian Drones Last Week

Trump's Sons Expand Business Into Drones, Crypto & Minerals

Drone Mystery Deepens In New Jersey: 15 Industrial Units Vanish, Bioterror Fears Raised

Drone Mystery Deepens In New Jersey: 15 Industrial Units Vanish, Bioterror Fears Raised

Iran’s Ukraine War Playbook: Drones, AI & a New Battle Strategy

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Launched BIGGEST Wave of Drones on Ukraine; 14 Killed

‘Mine clearance’: How the US Navy deals with underwater mine risks

Why the US military is using on drones to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz