The Indian Army is set to equip every soldier with drone operation capabilities, following the success of Operation Sindoor (2025). This initiative, known as ‘Eagle in the Arm,’ represents a significant step towards modernizing the army and integrating advanced technologies. It signifies the army’s adaptation to the changing landscape of modern warfare.
Operation Sindoor demonstrated the effectiveness of drones and swarm technology. During this operation, the Indian military successfully utilized drones, resulting in the failure of Pakistan’s air defense systems, including the Chinese-supplied HQ-9B and HQ-16 missiles. The impact of drones during the operation included:
* The disruption of enemy air defense radar sites.
* Facilitation of precision strikes, allowing the Indian Air Force and Army to achieve strategic objectives.
* Validation of drones as critical components in modern military operations.
The army’s decision to integrate drones into its strategy is based on lessons learned from international conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and the clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The Indian Army’s plans include:
* Establishing drone platoons within each infantry battalion.
* Equipping artillery regiments with counter-drone systems and loitering munitions.
* Setting up drone training centers in Dehradun (IMA), Mhow (Infantry School), and Chennai (OTA).
* Procuring 1,000 training drones, 600 simulators, and establishing 19 additional training centers.
General Upendra Dwivedi’s statement on Kargil Vijay Diwas (July 26, 2025) underscored the future of warfare. He emphasized that every soldier will have a rifle and a drone, symbolizing their ‘flying hawk,’ to significantly enhance their capabilities. The Indian Army is committed to incorporating the lessons from Operation Sindoor into a strategic framework.