title:Indian Army Boosts Drone Units Post Operation Sindoor Modernisation
ISLAMABAD: The revelation by India’s Chief of Army Staff regardingaccelerated drone integration within the force structure has drawnsignificant attention amid ongoing regional tensions. Operation Sindoor, amilitary response launched in May 2025 following a terror attack inPahalgam, dramatically highlighted the pivotal role of unmanned aerialsystems in modern combat. Drones, previously employed in surveillance andlimited strikes, gained unprecedented prominence during the operation,prompting urgent validation across diverse terrains including deserts andhigh altitudes. The necessity to deploy these systems swiftly while theoperation remained active compelled rapid institutional changes. Thisdevelopment underscores how a single conflict can catalyze profound shiftsin military doctrine, raising questions about future force readiness andescalation thresholds in South Asia.
The operation’s demands exposed gaps in operator expertise and integration,leading to the establishment of dedicated specialist units. Within infantrybattalions, the Ashni Platoon emerged as the inaugural formation, composedof highly qualified personnel trained specifically for drone operationsencompassing surveillance, force application, anti-radiation missions,jamming, and loitering munitions. Achieving membership requires rigorousqualification standards to ensure operational effectiveness. Thisspecialized platoon represents a deliberate effort to embed unmannedcapabilities at the tactical level, enabling real-time intelligence andprecision engagement without relying on external assets.
Building upon this foundation, the Indian Army has prioritized the creationof Bhairav Light Commando Battalions to serve as an intermediary betweenconventional infantry lethal platoons and elite special forces. As of early2026, thirteen such battalions have been raised, with plans extending totwenty-five or more. Each battalion, comprising approximately two hundredand fifty personnel, incorporates modern equipment including unmannedaerial systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems technologies, substantialammunition reserves, and other advanced tools. These units are designed foragility, disruptive effects, and rapid deployment in high-tempo scenarios,particularly along sensitive borders.
Artillery modernization has followed a parallel trajectory with theintroduction of the Divyastra battery within regiments. This formationprovides direct support to division commanders and integrates unmannedaerial systems for enhanced targeting accuracy and extended reach. TheDivyastra battery combines traditional artillery firepower with drone-basedsurveillance, loitering munitions, and counter-unmanned systems, enablingdeep-strike capabilities and real-time adjustments in dynamic battleenvironments. This hybrid approach aims to address evolving threats whereprecision and immediacy determine outcomes.
Further bolstering defensive measures, the army is expandingcounter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities through a dedicated regiment.Currently, three units are under formation, with an additional twelveplanned for subsequent phases. These developments collectively reflect acomprehensive strategy to counter aerial intrusions and neutralize enemyunmanned platforms, informed directly by operational experiences incontested airspace. The emphasis on skilled operators and seamlessintegration across domains highlights the transformative impact of recentengagements on force structuring.
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These structural innovations form part of a broader transformation agenda,incorporating lessons from Operation Sindoor and global conflicts. Theaccelerated timeline for commissioning specialized units demonstratesadaptability under pressure, while the focus on indigenous technology andjointness strengthens overall readiness. As regional dynamics evolve, suchenhancements could influence deterrence postures and operationalcalculations on both sides of the border.
Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/india/after-operation-sindoor-army-overhaul-drones-to-be-in-action-at-battalion-level-10167947
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