Guwahati, Sept 18 : The Indian Army has stepped up induction of drones and counter-drone systems across formations, with dedicated training centres already operational at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Infantry School in Mhow, and Officers Training Academy in Chennai. The initiative seeks to make drone operations a standard capability for soldiers of all arms.
During a visit to Likabali in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi underscored the Army’s focus on embedding unmanned platforms into operations. The approach, officials said, is guided by the concept of “eagle in the arm”—that every soldier should be capable of flying a drone just as he carries his weapon.
Depending on unit tasks, drones are to be deployed for combat, surveillance, logistics, and medical evacuation, while layered counter-drone systems will be fielded to neutralise hostile platforms.
Gen Dwivedi, speaking at the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas at Dras on July 26, had earlier announced that every infantry battalion will be equipped with a drone platoon, artillery regiments will induct counter-drone systems and loiter munitions, and composite Divyastra batteries will be raised to enhance precision and survivability. “हमारी मारक क्षमता अब आने वाले दिनों में कई गुना बढ़ जाएगी,” he had said, stressing that the Army is moving rapidly towards a modern, future-ready posture.
The dual thrust of equipping soldiers with drones while reinforcing anti-drone defences reflects the Army’s recognition that unmanned systems are now integral to the battlefield. With training institutionalised and force structures being adapted, the Army aims to ensure that the “soldier of tomorrow” carries not only a rifle but also an “eagle”—a drone that extends his vision, reach, and power in combat.
