Scaling Up Its Drone Defence: Indian Army Conducts Exercise Drone Kavach In Arunachal Pradesh
The exercise showcased Army's combat readiness for the next generation of drone warfare. Image courtesy: X.com/@Spearcorps
There has been a growing impetus on the use of drones in warfare, especially since India’s retaliatory strikes against terror bases in Pakistan and PoK during Operation Sindoor. This is perhaps why the armed forces, Border Security Forces (BSF) are increasing their reliance on drone warfare and training themselves in the same.
In view of the same, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, under the Eastern Command, conducted a four-day combat drill called ‘Exercise Drone Kavach’ from September 25 to 28 in forward areas of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh. The exercise was designed to sharpen readiness against next-generation drone threats.
Exercise Drone Kavach was also aimed at validating new offensive and defensive drone systems under battlefield-like conditions.
Drone Kavach: Who participated in the exercise?
Troops from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed in high-altitude forward locations joined Army formations during the exercise. Together, they rehearsed integrated manoeuvres to simulate multi-domain operations in a technology-led combat environment.
What capabilities were tested in Exercise Drone Kavach?
Key battlefield actions included target acquisition under surveillance constraints, active and passive counter-drone operations, precision neutralisation of aerial threats, development of Tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) by newly raised unit-level teams.
The scenarios were executed under simulated wartime conditions to mirror real operational challenges in the eastern sector.
How will this exercise shape future readiness?
Insights from Drone Kavach are expected to refine counter-drone doctrines and improve preparedness for evolving airspace threats. The Army said the exercise reflects its effort to modernise and absorb emerging technologies to maintain operational superiority.
In a separate milestone, soldiers from the Spear Corps summited Mount Gorichen, Arunachal Pradesh’s highest climbable peak at 6,488 metres, on September 19.
According to the Army, the expedition aimed to promote endurance, adventure and environmental stewardship in a strategically sensitive region. Despite high winds, icy gradients and low oxygen levels, the team successfully scaled what locals call the “Roof of Arunachal,” showcasing resilience and teamwork.
