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Army's Drone Force: 5 Lakh Soldiers to Train
2 Jun
Summary
- Army plans to train 5 lakh personnel in drone operations within five years.
- Global conflicts show low-cost drones neutralizing expensive military systems.
- Drone training is now mandatory for conventional pilots at CAATS.
The Indian Army is embarking on a major modernization drive, planning to train 500,000 personnel in drone operations within the next five years. This ambitious roadmap aims to equip soldiers with advanced skills in operating Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS). The decision follows assessments of recent global conflicts where affordable drones have effectively countered high-value military assets, fundamentally altering combat dynamics worldwide.
To embed this capability, a specialized drone warfare framework has been implemented across 19 Indian Army training institutions. Personnel are receiving training in drone precision, maneuver techniques, and utilizing advanced simulators. These skills extend beyond surveillance to encompass precision strikes, target destruction, and autonomous resupply missions, particularly in challenging high-altitude or hostile terrains.
The integration of autonomous systems is also transforming high-tier military aviation. At the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS), drone training is now a mandatory component for all conventional pilots. The school is actively developing Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concepts, enabling manned helicopters to operate in conjunction with drone swarms for complex missions. Exercise Aviation Shakti recently demonstrated this integrated approach, showcasing the seamless collaboration between helicopters, RPAS, drones, artillery, infantry, and armor in simulated high-stakes combat environments.
