Army Day provides a timely moment to reflect on how land forces are operating in an environment increasingly shaped by speed, information and technological reach. While soldiers remain at the heart of military effectiveness, the tools that support them are evolving rapidly. Among these, unmanned systems have moved beyond surveillance alone and are increasingly contributing to deterrence, protection and operational flexibility across the battlefield.
From an industry perspective, this evolution reflects a clear shift in how unmanned capabilities are viewed by land forces. Persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance remain essential, but there is growing emphasis on systems that can operate across a wider spectrum of missions, including armed overwatch and support in high-risk environments. Unmanned platforms now play a role not only in seeing the battlefield, but in shaping it.
At Schiebel, the development of unmanned systems has always been guided by operational relevance, maturity and adaptability. Experience across multiple environments has shown that for land forces, reliability, endurance and ease of integration matter more than theoretical performance. Systems must operate from austere locations, integrate seamlessly into existing command structures and be sustainable in forward areas with minimal logistical burden. This philosophy is reinforced through Schiebel’s long-term engagement in India, working closely with local stakeholders to ensure capabilities are aligned with operational realities and supported throughout their life cycle.
The CAMCOPTER® S-101 represents a natural evolution toward an armed unmanned solution. Designed to retain the core strengths of the S-100 while introducing the ability to carry effectors, the S-101 addresses the growing requirement for armed overwatch, force protection and deterrence. For land forces, such capabilities enable commanders to respond more rapidly to emerging threats, particularly in complex terrain where deploying manned assets may be challenging or carry elevated risk
This approach is well established with the CAMCOPTER® S-100, a versatile unmanned helicopter designed to operate without prepared infrastructure. Its vertical take-off and landing capability, combined with proven endurance and payload flexibility, has enabled it to support a wide range of missions. Importantly, the S-100 is already in operational service with the Indian Navy, providing valuable real-world experience under demanding conditions and reinforcing its maturity as a trusted platform.
Building on this proven foundation, the CAMCOPTER® S-101 represents a natural evolution toward an armed unmanned solution. Designed to retain the core strengths of the S-100 while introducing the ability to carry effectors, the S-101 addresses the growing requirement for armed overwatch, force protection and deterrence. For land forces, such capabilities enable commanders to respond more rapidly to emerging threats, particularly in complex terrain where deploying manned assets may be challenging or carry elevated risk.
Armed unmanned systems are not intended to replace existing firepower, but to complement it. By providing persistent presence, precision and responsiveness, platforms like the S-101 enhance situational awareness while offering additional options across the tactical spectrum. Their value lies in flexibility – the ability to observe, deter and, when necessary, engage – all while reducing exposure of personnel.
Alongside armed capability, endurance and payload capacity are becoming increasingly important. Larger unmanned systems enable longer on-station times, additional sensors and the ability to support more demanding missions. In this context, the CAMCOPTER® S-300 represents a significant step forward. With substantially increased payload capacity and endurance, the S-300 opens new possibilities for wide-area surveillance, persistent overwatch and multi-mission support in remote or hard-to-access regions
Alongside armed capability, endurance and payload capacity are becoming increasingly important. Larger unmanned systems enable longer on-station times, additional sensors and the ability to support more demanding missions. In this context, the CAMCOPTER® S-300 represents a significant step forward. With substantially increased payload capacity and endurance, the S-300 opens new possibilities for wide-area surveillance, persistent overwatch and multi-mission support in remote or hard-to-access regions.
For land forces, such capabilities are particularly relevant where sustained presence is required without a large footprint. Heavier unmanned platforms can operate as part of a layered approach, complementing lighter systems and ground assets while providing commanders with greater flexibility and depth.
The effective integration of these systems depends on close collaboration between users and industry. Understanding how information is used, how systems are deployed and how they are sustained in the field directly shapes design and integration. Long-term partnership and local engagement are therefore essential to ensuring that unmanned capabilities evolve alongside operational needs rather than remaining static solutions.
While technology continues to advance, the human dimension remains central. Armed and unarmed unmanned systems alike depend on skilled operators, analysts and commanders who can interpret information and apply judgement. Investment in training, expertise and inclusive participation across technical and operational roles remains critical to realising the full potential of these capabilities.
While technology continues to advance, the human dimension remains central. Armed and unarmed unmanned systems alike depend on skilled operators, analysts and commanders who can interpret information and apply judgement. Investment in training, expertise and inclusive participation across technical and operational roles remains critical to realising the full potential of these capabilities
Looking ahead, unmanned systems will play an increasingly important role in how land forces operate, particularly as requirements for persistence, flexibility and reduced risk continue to grow. For companies like Schiebel, the focus remains on delivering mature, adaptable solutions that integrate seamlessly into evolving operational concepts.
On Army Day, it is worth recognising that modernisation is also about equipping soldiers with tools that extend reach, enhance awareness and provide new options across the battlefield. When designed with operational insight, unmanned systems — armed and unarmed — have become an integral part of that evolution.
The writer is a Chief Executive Officer, Schiebel System India Pvt Ltd
