India’s Mega Drone Drill – “ Cold Start ”
Key Facts
Organisers: Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force (Tri-services).
Timing & Location: First week of October 2025, likely in Madhya Pradesh.
Scale: Biggest drone and counter-drone exercise since Operation Sindoor.
Objective:
Test drones and counter-drone systems.
Assess air defence capabilities against evolving aerial threats (drones, UAVs, swarms).
Identify strengths & gaps in current systems.
Strategic Context
Rising drone threat: Drones used in conflicts (Ukraine, Middle East, Pakistan border).
Operation Sindoor: Earlier exercise where Indian counter-drone and GPS jamming systems were tested successfully.
Adversary’s learning curve: Pakistan also developing similar capabilities; India must stay ahead.
Importance of Cold Start Drill
Strengthens India’s preparedness against drone warfare.
Encourages collaboration between defence forces, industry, R&D, and academia.
Helps in indigenisation of counter-drone systems under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Enhances deterrence by showcasing readiness to adversaries.