Indian Army Rolls Out 19 Dedicated Drone Training Centres Across India

The Indian Army is taking a significant leap in modern warfare preparedness by announcing the launch of 19 specialized drone training centres across key military institutions nationwide. These centres will be strategically located at prominent training hubs, including the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, the Officers Training Academy in Chennai and Gaya, the Infantry School in Mhow, and the School of Artillery in Deolali.

The initiative aims to integrate drone operations as a standard component of military training, following operational lessons from missions like Operation Sindoor. Cadets and personnel will be trained on a wide array of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), ranging from nano and micro drones to larger medium-range drones, along with first-person view (FPV) and simulator-based training modules.

Approximately 1,000 drones will be deployed across these centres. Smaller drones will focus on foundational skills such as maneuvering, observation, and motor coordination, while larger drones will prepare soldiers for advanced surveillance, mission planning, and target acquisition exercises. FPV drones will simulate real-life operational conditions, giving trainees hands-on experience in piloting and reconnaissance.

Training is expected to be fully operational by early 2026. Selected vendors will assist with equipment handling and provide expert instruction to ensure seamless learning for Army personnel. Defence analysts believe that by 2027, drone operations will become an essential skill for soldiers, marking a major step in modernizing India’s military capabilities.