Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Eastern Army commander Lt Gen RC Tiwari (R) in Arunachal Pradesh (Photo: Indian Army)
New Delhi: Accelerating the induction process of drones and counter drones systems as part of its major modernization drive towards making a technology-driven force, the Indian Army has started a new concept called ‘eagle in the arm’, aiming to train every soldier on operating drones, just like how he is operating a weapon.
The soldiers will be also be trained to integrate unmanned aerial systems as a core component of modern warfare.
In this regard, the Indian Army has set up dedicated drone centres at premier military training institutions, including the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), Infantry School (Mhow), and Officers Training Academy (Chennai).
Designed to institutionalize drone training across all arms of the Army, these drone centres would ensure that the future soldiers are as familiar with drones as they are with their weapons.
Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited a drone training and operational facility in Likabali, Arunachal Pradesh, on Thursday, underscoring the Army’s focus on integrating cutting-edge technology into its operational doctrine, especially in forward and sensitive areas.
“Eagle in the Arm is not just a concept, it is a transformation,” said a senior Army official.
“Just as every soldier carries a weapon, in the near future, every soldier will also operate a drone, adapted to the unit’s specific needs, whether for surveillance, strike, logistics, or medical support.”
Alongside drone deployment, the Army is also ramping up its counter-drone capabilities.
A layered defence system is being put in place to detect, neutralise, and mitigate threats from hostile unmanned platforms, ensuring battlefield dominance and force protection.
During the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemoration at Drass in Ladakh on July 26, 2025, Gen Dwivedi had revealed this vision for the first time.
On that day, the Army chief announced that every infantry unit will have a dedicated drone platoon while the artillery regiments will be equipped with counter-drone systems and loitering munitions. The Composite Divyastra batteries will also be formed to enhance precision and survivability.
The dual thrust – arming soldiers with drones and strengthening anti-drone defences – reflects the Army’s acknowledgment that unmanned systems are no longer optional but essential for modern combat.
By integrating drone warfare into its doctrine, training, and operations, the Indian Army is preparing the “soldier of tomorrow” to wield not just a rifle, but also an aerial ally – a drone that extends his reach, vision, and power on the battlefield.
