In October 2025, India is set to conduct its largest drone and counter-drone exercise since Operation Sindoor, marking a significant advancement in its military capabilities. This comprehensive drill aims to evaluate the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces against evolving aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone swarms. Senior officials have emphasized the importance of this exercise in enhancing India's defense preparedness and response strategies. The exercise will involve various branches of the military, integrating advanced technologies and tactics to simulate real-world scenarios. By focusing on both offensive and defensive drone operations, the drill seeks to strengthen India's position in modern warfare and counter-terrorism efforts. This initiative underscores India's commitment to maintaining a robust defense infrastructure in the face of emerging global security challenges.

The exercise is named 'Cold Start' and will be held from October 6 to 10 in Madhya Pradesh. All three branches of the Indian Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—will participate, along with industry partners, research and development organizations, and academic institutions. This collaborative approach aims to test and enhance the nation's drone and counter-drone capabilities, ensuring a comprehensive defense strategy against aerial threats.

Air Marshal Rakesh Sinha, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff at HQ IDS, highlighted the importance of staying ahead of adversaries in military thinking and planning. He emphasized the need for a robust air defense system and Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) capabilities to address the evolving nature of aerial threats. The exercise will focus on evaluating and improving these systems, ensuring that India remains prepared to counter emerging challenges in modern warfare.

This initiative follows the lessons learned from Operation Sindoor, where drones played a pivotal role in combat operations. The success of indigenous systems like 'Bhargavastra,' a low-cost anti-drone system capable of neutralizing drone swarms, and 'Akashteer,' an automated air defense system, underscores India's growing self-reliance in defense technology. These developments reflect a strategic shift towards integrating advanced technologies into military operations, enhancing India's defense capabilities in the face of evolving threats.