Indian Army to Establish 19 Drone Training Centres at Leading Military Academies
In a significant development aimed at enhancing military capabilities, the Indian Army is set to establish 19 drone training centers at key training institutions. These include the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, the Officers Training Academy in Chennai and Gaya, the Infantry School in Mhow, and the School of Artillery in Deolali.
This initiative, which gained momentum following the effective deployment of drones during Operation Sindoor, seeks to incorporate drone operation and counter-drone strategies into the standard training regimen for all ranks within the army.
According to a restricted Expression of Interest (EOI), the Army plans to acquire approximately 1,000 drones spanning various categories such as nano, micro, small, medium, and First-Person View (FPV). Additionally, 600 training simulators and related infrastructure will be procured to facilitate both outdoor maneuver ranges and indoor training facilities that will operate continuously.
| Drone Type | Training Purpose |
|---|---|
| Nano and Micro Drones | Used for motor skills and remote piloting basics. |
| Small and Medium Drones | Train soldiers in day-and-night surveillance, reconnaissance, mission planning, and target grid correction. |
| FPV Drones | Prepare personnel for surveillance and kamikaze-style missions. |
Vendors selected through the EOI process will also be responsible for conducting training workshops for Army instructors at locations including Deolali, Mhow, Dehradun, and Bengaluru, facilitating the smooth integration of the new training program.
The training centers are slated to be fully operational by January 2026, in line with the Army Training Command’s strategic plan to ensure all soldiers are proficient in drone operations by 2027. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has recently praised the initiative, labeling drone training as a transformative element in future military engagements.
This effort is part of a broader restructuring within the Army, where unmanned aerial vehicles and counter-UAV systems are set to become integral weapon systems at the battalion level in most formations.
