Post Operation Sindoor decision by Army to set up 19 drone training centres
Post Operation Sindoor decision by Army to set up 19 drone training centres
Digital Desk: The Indian Military Academy, Infantry School, Officers Training Academy (Chennai and Gaya), and the School of Artillery (Deolali) are among the 19 major training facilities in the nation where the Indian Army plans to set up drone training centres and hubs.
In line with the Army's decision to make drones a standard weapon system after Operation Sindoor, this calculated action seeks to incorporate drone training into the required curriculum for all ranks.
The Army is requesting proposals for the purchase of training aggregates required to establish these cutting-edge drone training facilities in a published Expression of Interest aimed at specific vendors. The urgency of this endeavour is highlighted by the accelerated nature of these purchases, which are being made through emergency revenue channels.
The plan calls for the installation of indoor training areas and outdoor manoeuvre ranges that are open around the clock at all Category A training facilities, as well as training simulators and related infrastructure.
These facilities will provide training and certification to all ranks of the Army.
Under this agreement, the drone training infrastructure will include the purchase of nearly 1,000 drones of various categories, ranging in range from 200 m to 50 km.
More than 800 nano, micro, small, and medium drones (based on weight categories), 140 first-person view (FPV) drones, and almost 600 training simulators with related equipment are among the drone types that will be offered.
Basic coordination and manoeuvring exercises will be facilitated by nanodrones. Micro drones will be used for preliminary surveillance and remote pilot training. Small drones are designed for mission planning and surveillance, both during the day and at night.
Medium drones will be used for target grid corrections, mission planning, surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence both during the day and at night.
While digital FPVs will be used for kamikaze skills, surveillance, and remote pilot training, training FPVs will concentrate on fundamental coordination and manoeuvring. By January 2026, comprehensive training hubs are expected to be in place.
The instructors, equipment, and training materials will be supplied by the chosen vendors.
All Indian Army soldiers will receive sufficient drone training by 2027, according to a statement made earlier this year by the Army Training Command (ARTRAC). A roadmap to integrate drone operation into all soldier training has already been started by ARTRAC.
