Army Accelerates Drone Induction to Equip Soldiers as Operators

Fast summary

• The Indian Army is intensifying the induction of drones and counter-drone systems into its operations.
• Training centres at institutions like the Indian Military Academy, Infantry School, and Officers Training Academy are focusing on making drone operations a soldier’s standard capability.
• Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited a drone facility at Likabali in Arunachal Pradesh on September 18,2025,highlighting operational priorities.
• The concept “Eagle in the arm” emphasizes that every soldier should be capable of operating a drone alongside their weapon.
• Drone deployments will cover combat, surveillance, logistics, medical evacuations; counter-drone systems are being integrated for layered defence.
• Gen. Dwivedi announced at Kargil Vijay diwas (July 26, 2025) several advancements:

– Infantry battalions will have drone platoons.- Artillery regiments equipped with counter-drone systems and loiter munitions.
– Composite Divyastra batteries to boost precision and survivability were planned.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Indian Army’s rapid focus on unmanned aerial systems demonstrates its commitment to adapting to modern warfare trends where drones play pivotal roles. Integrating drones as a standardized capability for soldiers could revolutionize battlefield dynamics by extending mobility and situational awareness. At the same time, deploying robust counter-drone frameworks reflects an understanding of emerging threats from hostile unmanned technologies.

India’s geographic vulnerabilities and border challenges make these upgrades crucial for strategic defence preparedness.Incorporating such dual capabilities – offensive use of drones alongside defensive measures – showcases foresight in military innovation without over-reliance on customary hardware alone. As training institutionalizes this skill across ranks under concepts like “Eagle in the Arm,” long-term operational readiness may increase substantially.

Read More: