The Indian Army plans to train half a million soldiers in drone operations over the next five years, a number equivalent to one in every third service member based on current troop strength. General Devendra Sharma, the commander of the Indian Army’s Training Command, announced this during a graduation ceremony for a helicopter training school. He reported that, according to Indian media, approximately 50,000 soldiers and officers had already been trained in operating remotely controlled flight systems last year.
This accelerated push for widespread drone training is a direct response to the analysis of recent conflicts. According to the General, the ability of inexpensive, commercially available drones to neutralize million-dollar, outdated weapon systems has fundamentally changed global battle conditions.
To embed these capabilities across the force, a specialized training program has been introduced at 19 different institutions. This training covers modules such as precision flying, maneuvers in specific zones, and the use of modern simulators.
In addition to reconnaissance, drones will enable the military to perform precision strikes, eliminate targets, and ensure autonomous resupply operations at high altitudes or in enemy territory. Sharma explained that this provides a significant advantage by facilitating better information flow and faster decision-making.
India maintains the world’s third-largest military by personnel count, with an approximate total of 1.5 million troops. Of this total, 1.25 million serve in the army, around 150,000 are with the air force, and about 90,000 are stationed in the navy and coast guard. This military buildup comes against the backdrop of decades-old tensions with Pakistan over the Himalayan region of Kashmir.
