Beyond the Border: The Quiet Revolution Happening in the Indian Army:

With a clear focus on modernizing its battlefield capabilities, the Indian Army is doubling down on integrating drone technology into its operations. This strategic shift was highlighted during a recent visit by the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, to a drone center in Likabali, Arunachal Pradesh.

The visit underscores a significant push to equip every soldier with the skills to operate unmanned aerial systems. The Army's new concept, aptly named "Eagle in the Arm," aims to make drone operation as fundamental for a soldier as handling their weapon. The goal is to empower troops to use drones for a variety of critical tasks, including surveillance, combat, logistics, and even medical evacuations, effectively extending their reach and vision on the ground.

This initiative is not just about adding new equipment; it's about fundamentally changing how the army prepares for future conflicts. Dedicated drone centers have been established at premier training institutions like the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun and the Infantry School in Mhow to institutionalize this training.

During the Kargil Vijay Diwas ceremony in July, General Dwivedi had announced plans to create dedicated drone platoons in every infantry battalion Furthermore, artillery regiments will be equipped with counter-drone systems and loiter munitions to both exploit and neutralize unmanned threats, creating a layered defense system.

While in Arunachal Pradesh, the Army Chief also met with Chief Minister Pema Khandu to discuss the Army's growing role as a partner in the state's development, covering everything from tourism and connectivity to creating economic opportunities in forward areas. This visit signals a two-pronged approach: strengthening military preparedness with next-generation technology while deepening collaboration with civilian authorities for regional growth