Chicago – May 26, 2025
India and Pakistan have a long history of fighting using fighter jets, missiles, and artillery. But in May, for the first time, both countries used many unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, against each other during four days of conflict. The fighting stopped after the United States helped make a ceasefire.
Now, both countries are racing to get more drones. They spent over $96 billion on defense last year, and experts say they will use more drones because small drone attacks can hit targets without risking soldiers or causing a big war.
India plans to spend up to $470 million on drones in the next year or two, about three times more than before. The Indian government is working closely with more than 550 drone companies to speed up drone development.
Pakistan is also trying to get more drones to protect its expensive fighter jets. It is working with China and Turkey to improve its own drone research and production. Pakistan already builds some drones locally with help from Turkey’s defense companies.
Both countries say their drones have been successful in recent fights. Using drones lets them show strength while avoiding too much international attention compared to traditional weapons.
Experts say drones are changing how India and Pakistan fight, making warfare more about technology and less about risking people directly. This new drone race is a big part of their ongoing rivalry.
