In a significant move to enhance India’s defense capabilities and adopt advanced military technology, the Indian Army has launched a sophisticated Drone Excellence Centre at Likabali Military Station in Arunachal Pradesh. Commissioned by Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, the General Officer Commanding of the Spear Corps, this facility is part of a strategic initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance and innovation in unmanned aerial systems, particularly in response to the escalating security challenges posed in India’s northeastern region.
Designed as a multifaceted hub for training, assembly, and innovation, the Drone Excellence Centre concentrates on three primary functions: pilot training, drone assembly, and research and development. A key feature of this facility is an industrial-scale assembly line dedicated to First Person View (FPV) drones. This assembly line incorporates rigorous quality control measures to bolster both reliability and operational effectiveness on the battlefield.
The establishment of this centre is especially timely, coming in the wake of recent incidents involving drone warfare in regional conflicts. A drone strike attributed to suspected Kuki militants in September 2024 in Manipur’s Koutruk village, which resulted in civilian casualties, underscored the lethal capabilities of drone technology and the need for enhanced countermeasures. This incident revealed critical security vulnerabilities and has prompted a thorough reassessment of India’s existing drone strategy.
Military analysts have expressed support for the Indian Army’s investment in the new facility, noting its potential to transform surveillance and tactical operations. According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Defense Technology, FPV drones can enhance reconnaissance efficiency by as much as 40%, providing real-time intelligence and enabling precise strike capabilities in complex terrain. The Likabali centre is anticipated to play a pivotal role, particularly in challenging regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, where dense forests and difficult borders necessitate agile technology-driven strategies.
This initiative is also part of the Army’s wider outreach efforts in the region. A high-level seminar held in March 2025 in Likabali, titled “Resurgent Arunachal: Integrated Approach to Security and Development,” outlined the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh and advocated for technology-led initiatives to strengthen India’s borders while promoting local development.
During the inauguration, Lieutenant General Pendharkar praised the efforts of the soldiers and engineers who contributed to the project, emphasizing the critical role of innovation in the defense sector. He stated that the centre would not only enhance India’s military capabilities but also foster long-term self-sufficiency in the drone industry, underscoring the professionalism and ingenuity of the troops involved.
However, the launch of the centre takes place against a backdrop of increasing regional tensions. In Manipur, there have been reports of strained relations between the Army and local communities. Notably, members of the press allege that personnel from the 4th Mahar Regiment instructed them to remove the word “Manipur” from buses transporting them to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul. This incident has ignited outrage among local media and activists, who view it as a challenge to regional identity. Outlets like Ukhrul Times have demanded transparency and greater accountability, urging the Army to address ongoing concerns regarding civil-military relations in the northeast.
While the Indian Army’s commitment to technological modernization is largely viewed as a necessary evolution, the situation in Manipur highlights the importance of aligning military advancements with cultural sensitivity and community trust. As India grapples with the complex dynamics of regional unrest and accelerated militarization, the effectiveness of initiatives like the Drone Excellence Centre will largely hinge on fostering inclusive engagement with the communities it seeks to protect.
The Likabali Drone Excellence Centre aims to train hundreds of drone pilots and innovators in the coming years, laying a foundation for a more technologically adept and secure defense force. Moving forward, the Army faces the critical challenge of bridging the gap between innovation and community integration in the intricate landscape of India’s northeastern frontier.
