India’s Cold Start Drone Drill in October will be the country’s largest exercise of its kind since Operation Sindoor. The joint drill, scheduled for the first week of October in the Central Sector, will test the effectiveness of India’s drone and counter-drone systems against evolving aerial threats.
Officials confirmed that the exercise aims to evaluate operational readiness, identify gaps in existing air defence capabilities, and strengthen strategic response to potential adversary drones. The Cold Start drill will also focus on seamless integration with other air defence assets and the use of AI to classify and respond to threats in real time.
Speaking at the “Counter UAVs & Air Defence Systems – The Future of Modern Warfare” conference in Delhi, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, said, “Our counter-drone and GPS jamming systems performed effectively during Operation Sindoor. But adversaries are learning. Next time, we must stay ahead and improve further.”
Rakesh Sinha, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations), highlighted that the future of warfare will depend on how nations handle the ongoing drone-defence race. He emphasized the need for precise detection, identification in complex electromagnetic environments, and proportional engagement strategies that avoid collateral damage.
The drill also aims to prepare the armed forces for a rapidly evolving aerial threat landscape. By testing counter-drone systems at scale, India ensures its operational readiness and strengthens national security.
India’s Cold Start Drone Drill in October marks a key milestone in modernising air defence capabilities, demonstrating the country’s commitment to technological advancement and strategic preparedness in the face of new challenges.
