In a significant development for military aviation, the Indian Army is set to create 19 drone training centres across prominent training establishments, including the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, the Officers Training Academies in Chennai and Gaya, the Infantry School in Mhow, and the School of Artillery in Deolali. This initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to making drone operations a fundamental skill for all ranks.
The strategic decision was propelled by the successful implementation of drones in Operation Sindoor, thereby emphasizing the need to incorporate both drone operations and counter-drone tactics into the core training curriculum. As part of this effort, the Army has issued a limited Expression of Interest (EOI), signaling its plan to procure nearly 1,000 drones across various categories, including nano, micro, small, medium, and First-Person View (FPV) drones. Additionally, the Army aims to acquire 600 training simulators along with necessary infrastructure to facilitate continuous training, both in outdoor maneuver ranges and dedicated indoor facilities.
The training program is designed to utilize the different types of drones effectively. Nano and micro drones will focus on enhancing motor skills and the fundamentals of remote piloting. In contrast, small and medium drones are intended for more complex training scenarios involving day-and-night surveillance, reconnaissance exercises, mission planning, and target grid correction tasks. The FPV drones will be used for advanced surveillance techniques and kamikaze-style missions, enhancing operational capabilities.
Furthermore, vendors selected through the EOI will conduct training workshops at key centres in Deolali, Mhow, Dehradun, and Bengaluru. These workshops aim to equip Army instructors with the necessary skills to implement the new curriculum seamlessly. The drone training facilities are projected to be operational by January 2026, as part of the Army Training Command’s broader roadmap to ensure that all soldiers attain drone proficiency by 2027.
The initiative has received strong endorsement from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who highlighted the transformative potential of drone training in future warfare scenarios. This move is part of a larger organizational restructuring within the Army, positioning Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and counter-UAV systems as standardized weapon systems at the battalion level across various formations, thus reshaping the military landscape in India.
