As part of its modernization efforts, the Indian Army is equipping every soldier with drone operation skills. The ‘Eagle in the Arm’ program, launched in the wake of Operation Sindoor, aims to give each soldier an aerial advantage. The initiative reflects the army’s understanding of the shifting dynamics of modern warfare.
Operation Sindoor (2025) marked a significant turning point, as India deployed drones and swarm technology extensively. The operation showcased the vulnerability of Pakistan’s air defense systems, including the Chinese-supplied HQ-9B and HQ-16 missiles, against drone technology. The key outcomes of this operation included:
* Drones successfully disabling enemy air defense radar sites.
* Precision strikes allowing the Indian Air Force and Army to gain a strategic edge.
* Confirmation of drones as decisive assets in modern warfare.
The influence of drones in contemporary conflicts has been evident in various global scenarios, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and the Azerbaijan-Armenia clashes. The Indian Army is responding to these developments by:
* Establishing drone platoons in every infantry battalion.
* Equipping artillery regiments with counter-drone systems and loitering munitions.
* Launching drone training centers in Dehradun (IMA), Mhow (Infantry School), and Chennai (OTA).
* Planning to establish 19 more training centers and procure 1,000 training drones and 600 simulators.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the transformative potential of drones during the Kargil Vijay Diwas (July 26, 2025). He stated that future soldiers would carry a rifle and a drone, which would be the soldier’s ‘flying hawk,’ dramatically increasing combat capabilities. The Indian Army is committed to integrating this technology into its long-term strategies.