Drones Intensify Conflict Dynamics Between India and Pakistan

In an unprecedented development, India and Pakistan have reportedly used attack drones in their conflict, with each country accusing the other of utilizing foreign technology. Experts express concern over the implications of unmanned warfare, while highlighting a potential shift in military strategies within the region.

In a stark escalation of hostilities, the use of attack drones has now become a notable aspect of the India-Pakistan conflict. This transition to drone warfare is described by experts as a troubling evolution in tactics between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Both nations have been advancing their drone manufacturing capabilities, alongside sourcing technology from their respective allies.

Recent tensions flared following an incident in the contested Kashmir region, prompting claims from India that Turkish drones were deployed by Pakistan and counterclaims from Pakistan regarding the use of Israeli drones by India. The authenticity of these claims remains unverified amidst the complicated narrative of modern warfare.

James Patton Rogers, a renowned authority on drone warfare at Cornell University, emphasizes that neither side appears to have integrated drones capable of delivering nuclear payloads into their strategies. He portrays the current situation as potentially manageable, noting an inclination towards limited drone usage rather than full-scale military engagement. “This indicates both countries are willing to test capabilities without crossing into large-scale escalation,” he remarked.

Notably, an increase in nations possessing drone technology has been observed, with the number rising to 118 from about 60 since 2010. Although Pakistan's drone capacity may be limited, it has developed and procured several armed drones and loitering munitions, including those from China and Turkey. Conversely, India's drone infrastructure is considerably more advanced, incorporating land, air, and maritime drones while also importing systems from Israel.

Despite the current limited use of drones, analysts predict potential frustrations may lead both states to escalate their tactics further. Shuja Nawaz, a former director at The Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center, warns that the attempt to gain aerial superiority may push both sides toward more aggressive means, including manned aircraft and missiles. This scenario poses a dire risk, especially given both countries' nuclear capabilities. As the conflict evolves, the international community watches closely, fearing the broader implications of such advancements in warfare.