New Delhi, India — In a groundbreaking shift towards modernising its warfare capabilities, the Indian Army is rapidly scaling up the induction of drones and counter-drone systems across its ranks. With several units already operational and new Drone Centres established at premier training academies like the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, the Infantry School in Mhow, and the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, the Army aims to embed drone operations as a standard capability for every soldier.
The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, today visited one such facility at Likabali in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the Army’s strategic focus on operationalising drone capabilities in varied combat scenarios. The move aligns with the Indian Army’s bold new vision, encapsulated in the concept of “Eagle in the Arm”—a futuristic approach that envisions every soldier operating a drone, akin to carrying a weapon.
“This transformation is part of our drive to make drone operations an integral part of the Army’s everyday tasks,” said General Dwivedi. “From combat and surveillance to logistics and medical evacuation, drones will empower soldiers, enabling them to extend their capabilities on the battlefield.”
Parallel to drone induction, the Indian Army is also prioritising the deployment of counter-drone systems. The integration of these technologies is being designed to create a comprehensive defensive framework, allowing the Army to neutralise enemy unmanned platforms while leveraging drones to enhance operational effectiveness.
The emphasis on drone capabilities was also underscored during General Dwivedi’s speech on the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas at Dras, on July 26, 2025. There, he revealed that every infantry battalion would soon feature a dedicated drone platoon, artillery regiments would be equipped with cutting-edge counter-drone systems, and new composite Divyastrabatteries would be developed to boost precision and survivability on the frontlines.
“हमारी मारक क्षमता अब आने वाले दिनों में कई गुना बढ़ जाएगी (Our strike capability will increase manifold in the coming days),” Gen Dwivedi affirmed, reinforcing that the Indian Army is rapidly evolving into a modern, tech-driven force that is future-ready and capable of tackling emerging threats head-on.
The Indian Army’s dual-pronged approach—arming its soldiers with drones while simultaneously bolstering defences against adversarial unmanned systems—underscores the growing recognition that unmanned technologies are not just supplementary but essential elements of modern warfare. With this transformation, the Indian Army aims to ensure that the “soldier of tomorrow” will not only carry a weapon but also wield the power of an eagle, extending his vision, reach, and combat effectiveness on the battlefield.
As drones become an indispensable part of military operations, the Indian Army’s focus on integrating unmanned systems at every level of combat signals a bold new era in military strategy, placing India at the forefront of unmanned warfare capabilities.
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