Swarm drone
{{Short description|Drones designed to operate together}}
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{{missing information|non-military swarm drones, used in artistic displays and advertising, etc|date=June 2024}}
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Swarm drones are drones especially designed to operate together as robotic swarms. Military swarms are capable of surveillance and attack missions.
India
Following a three-year-long competition organised by the Indian Air Force, at least two companies are expected to receive formal contracts for surveillance, attack and electronic warfare drones. The ‘swarm architecture’ award went to NewSpace Research & Technologies, run by former IAF officer Sameer Joshi. NewSpace also won a US$15 million swarm drone order from the Indian Army.{{Cite web |last=Kadidal |first=Akhil |date=2023-03-06 |title=Indian Army receives ‘swarming' UAVs |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/indian-army-receives-swarming-uavs |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Janes |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2023-02-13 |title=Army gets its first set of offensive swarm drone system, IAF next |url=https://theprint.in/defence/army-gets-its-first-set-of-offensive-swarm-drone-system-iaf-next/1368508/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}
The ‘communication architecture’ award went to a Delhi Technology University team incubated Flaire Unmanned Systems in a tie-up with Adani Defence, and the ‘drone architecture’ award went to Dhaksha Unmanned Systems.{{Cite news|last=Pubby|first=Manu|title=India places orders for drones, loitering munitions|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-places-orders-for-drones-loitering-munitions/articleshow/85916604.cms?from=mdr&from=mdr|access-date=2022-01-06}} For designing the swarm drones for the Indian Army, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is supporting NewSpace Research and Technologies in development of the swarm drones.{{Cite web |last=Som |first=Vishnu |date=12 December 2021 |title=Exclusive: Heavy-Lift Made-In-India Drone To Redefine E-Commerce Delivery |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/exclusive-heavy-lift-made-in-india-drone-hl-150-to-redefine-e-commerce-delivery-2647493 |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=NDTV.com}}
During an event in Jhansi in November 2021, DRDO showcased the armed swarm technology with minimal human efforts. The drones are operable at high-altitudes, rough-weather conditions and can fly at a speed of 100 km/h and has ability to strike multiple drones at the target.{{Cite news |date=2021-11-17 |title=DRDO displays drone swarm in offensive role |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-displays-drone-swarm-in-offensive-role-101637150019067.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240809063028/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-displays-drone-swarm-in-offensive-role-101637150019067.html |archive-date=2024-08-09 |access-date=2025-01-23 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en-us}}
For promoting drone development, the Indian Air Force also launched a three-year long competition in 2018, named, Mehar Baba Swarm Drone Competition that was open for distinct organizations.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-25|title=3 Indian start-ups win IAF swarm drone competition, at least 2 in line for defence contracts|url=https://theprint.in/defence/3-indian-start-ups-win-iaf-swarm-drone-competition-at-least-2-in-line-for-defence-contracts/756314/|access-date=2022-01-06|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}
Israel
Swarm drones have also been used by the Israel Defense Forces multiple times including against Iranian forces and to find rocket launchers situated in Gaza City (allegedly).{{Cite web|last=Mizokami|first=Kyle|date=2021-12-08|title=A New Video Explains, in Graphic Terms, Why the United Nations Must Ban 'Slaughterbots'|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a38413837/un-ban-autonomous-drone-swarms/|access-date=2022-01-28|website=Popular Mechanics|language=en-US}}