India launches massive drone exercise to bolster Air Defence

India is set to conduct its most extensive drone and counter-drone exercise, named 'Cold Start', in early October 2025. This initiative aims to bolster the country's air defence capabilities in response to recent conflicts with Pakistan that saw widespread use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The exercise will showcase both drone tactics and counter-drone technologies, and will be observed by defence industry experts and researchers. It marks the most significant domestic drone warfare simulation since the May confrontation with Pakistan.

Additionally, India is working on developing an indigenous air defence system called 'Sudarshan Chakra', intended for completion by 2035. This system is expected to mirror Israel’s Iron Dome and will integrate drones, aircraft, hypersonic countermeasures, and advanced UAS detection and neutralization systems.

Operation Sindoor in May 2025 marked a major escalation between India and Pakistan, with India using SkyStriker drones and Rafale jets for precise strikes on terrorist targets. In response, Pakistan launched over 600 drone incursions, most of which were intercepted by India’s multi-layered air defenses. The conflict highlighted the growing role of drone warfare, prompting India to plan its largest-ever drone exercise, “Cold Start,” to further strengthen air defense capabilities.

Military leaders acknowledged Pakistan’s advancements in drone technologies and emphasized India’s need to surpass them as part of a growing regional drone arms race.