Western Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen Manoj Katiyar on Monday said the Army has strengthened its drone warfare training to deliver a much heavier response to the enemy. This comes after exercises demonstrated the integration of drones, counter-drone systems, and unmanned platforms in live conditions.
“In Operation Sindoor, there was lot of use of drones and taking learnings from that, we have strengthened our drone warfare training... The punishment given to the enemy this time will be much heavier than before," Katiyar said while speaking to mediapersons at Naraingarh Field Firing Range in Ambala district, Haryana.
A fortnight ago, while addressing reporters at Western Command headquarters during the diamond jubilee of the 1965 India-Pakistan war victory, Lt Gen Katiyar had said if Pakistan or terror groups backed by it carry out another strike, “our reply this time will be more severe” than before.
Starting September 25, the Western and South Western Commands successfully conducted 'Vayu Samanvay' — a joint exercise showing seamless coordination across two major operational theatres.
The exercise integrated drones, counter-drone systems, and unmanned platforms in live conditions. It tested the Army's advanced technologies and tactics for future warfare. The exercise showcased the Indian Army’s ability to adapt, innovate, and operate quickly in dynamic battle scenarios, highlighting high training standards, technological innovation, and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders.
During the exercise, the Army demonstrated different types of indigenous drones.
Asked about the challenge drones may pose in future warfare, Katiyar said, "We are fully ready. Even in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan used lot of drones and most of their drones were destroyed by us. Technology keeps evolving. We are also developing our technology and I am quite hopeful that in next war whatever drones come from Pakistan side we are capable to destroy those with our counter drones and AD Guns (air defence).”
Speaking to reporters, he added, "You saw in this firing range how we are using drones in our operations. You saw the capability of these drones. Tactical short-range drones are being used as part of the exercise with 5-km range and 5-kg payload capacity."
The Indian Army has also acquired high-end drones. The Western Command chief said "Today's exercise was primarily with those drones which we are fabricating ourselves...and local industry which is supplying us or helping them in fabricating. The numbers required in next warfare is going to be quite high, we will need several thousand drones.”
The purpose is that with help of local industry, we should be able to fabricate these drones ourselves, Katiyar said.
"We also fielded our counter-drone equipment here (during the exercise) most of which is in service with us and more counter drone equipment is in the making," he said.
He said in Operation Sindoor, "we used this counter drone equipment and as you know the drones which came from Pakistan, almost all drones we destroyed with our counter drone equipment and with our air defence".
Katiyar also highlighted the use of drones in other fields, such as agriculture, rescue, and relief operations during recent floods in Punjab.
"Drones will be used by all Arms and Services, including Armoured Corps and Infantry, and for supplying materials. In high-altitude areas, we have started using them in significant numbers. During flood relief, drones helped us. What helicopters do today, drones could do in the future for delivering relief material," he said.
Most drones used in the Naraingarh exercise were attack drones carrying ammunition. He clarified that high-end drones were not demonstrated; only short-range tactical drones were used. “Our industry is developing higher-category drones, and we are doing R&D to further enhance them," he added.
After Operation Sindoor, the focus has been on drone manufacturing, fabrication, acquisition, and training. "Training is also a key component and it is very important for a jawan to know how to use a drone. After Operation Sindoor, our focus on this has increased," he added.
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