Indian Army Prepares for Future Warfare with a Dedicated and Integrated Drone Force

Recognising that unmanned systems will play a decisive role in future conflicts, the Indian Army has significantly accelerated its efforts to build a strong, well-coordinated, and technology-driven drone force. Military planners believe that drones—ranging from nano systems to medium-class platforms—will be central to reconnaissance, surveillance, precision strikes, and battlefield dominance in the years ahead.

As part of this strategic transformation, dedicated drone units are being raised across all arms and services of the Army. This marks a shift from limited, role-specific drone usage to an integrated force-wide capability that can support infantry, artillery, armoured units, and support services during both conventional and hybrid warfare scenarios.

To support this expansion, drone training infrastructure is being established at 19 major military institutions across the country. These include the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, the Officers Training Academies (OTAs) in Chennai and Gaya, the Infantry School in Mhow, and the School of Artillery in Deolali. These centres will provide structured and standardized drone training, starting from the officer cadet level to personnel deployed in active field formations.

The training curriculum is designed to ensure that soldiers are proficient in operating nano, micro, small, and medium-class drones. Personnel will be trained in offensive missions, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and surveillance operations. Emphasis is also being placed on tactical deployment, real-time data interpretation, and integration of drone feeds into command-and-control systems.

A key pillar of the Army’s drone push is its strong focus on indigenous technology. The Army plans to deploy between 8,000 and 10,000 drones per corps, with a clear preference for domestically developed platforms. This approach aligns with India’s broader goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

Government-backed initiatives such as the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are playing a crucial role in accelerating domestic drone development. Several indigenous platforms have already been inducted, including the Nagastra-1 loitering munition, which is capable of precision strikes and has demonstrated operational effectiveness.

Alongside offensive and surveillance capabilities, the Indian Army is also strengthening its counter-drone systems to address the growing threat posed by hostile unmanned aerial vehicles. Modern conflicts have shown how adversary drones can be used for espionage, targeting, and attacks on critical infrastructure, making counter-drone defence a strategic necessity.

To neutralize such threats, systems like the D4 anti-drone system, SAKSHAM, and Bhargavastra have been developed to detect, track, and destroy hostile drones. These systems provide layered defence against a range of aerial threats and are being progressively deployed across sensitive and forward areas.

In a major technological leap, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has also developed a laser-based drone neutralisation system with an operational range of up to two kilometres. This directed-energy weapon offers a cost-effective and rapid-response solution against low-flying drones and swarm attacks.

Looking ahead, the Indian Army has set an ambitious target of ensuring that every soldier is trained in the fundamentals of drone operations by 2027. This universal drone literacy is expected to dramatically enhance situational awareness and combat effectiveness across all levels of command.

To achieve this goal efficiently, the Army will increasingly rely on advanced drone simulators powered by virtual reality. These simulators will allow troops to practice complex missions in realistic virtual environments, ensuring safe, affordable, and scalable training without the risks and costs associated with live operations.

As global warfare rapidly evolves, the Indian Army’s comprehensive drone strategy reflects a clear understanding of future combat requirements. By combining indigenous innovation, large-scale training, and integrated deployment, the Army is positioning itself to meet emerging threats with agility, precision, and technological superiority.