NEW DELHI: India is preparing to conduct its largest-ever drone warfare exercise next month as part of efforts to strengthen its air defence capabilities following recent tensions with Pakistan that highlighted the growing role of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in modern conflict.
Air Marshal Rakesh Sinha, deputy chief of the Integrated Defence Staff, announced on Tuesday that the exercise, codenamed Cold Start, will be held in the first week of October. It will showcase and test a wide range of Indian drones and counter-drone systems in the presence of defence industry experts and researchers. “We will be testing some of our drones and counter-drone systems during this exercise so that we can make our air defence system and counter-UAS completely robust,” he said.
Officials described the war games as the largest domestic exercise of their kind since the recent confrontation with Pakistan, during which drones played a pivotal role. The drills will replicate key elements of drone warfare observed in May, ensuring India is better prepared for similar future scenarios.
According to Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, chief of the Integrated Defence Staff, drones and counter-drone technologies will form the backbone of India’s evolving Sudarshan Chakra air defence system, which will also integrate aircraft and anti-hypersonic capabilities. “They (Pakistan) are also working and becoming better. So, we have to go one step ahead,” he remarked, underscoring the competitive pace of regional military advancements.
The exercise is expected to reinforce India’s position in drone warfare preparedness while sending a strategic message of deterrence to its adversaries.
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