India to test drones, Counter-drone systems in mega ‘Cold Start’ exercise

The Indian military will test the capabilities of some of its drones and counter-drone systems during a mega exercise in the first week of October, aimed at bolstering its air defence, a senior official said on Tuesday.

ptation cycle, and the role of Indian industry, think tanks, and academia is to stay two steps ahead, like a game of chess,” he said.

On India’s proposed air defence system, Sudarshan Chakram, he said it will be the “mother of all air defence systems combined,” integrating counter-drone, counter-UAV, and counter-hypersonic capabilities.

The October exercise comes just over a month after Ran Samwad, a first-of-its-kind tri-service seminar on war, warfare, and warfighting, was held at the Army War College in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had emphasised the need to remain prepared for innovations and unforeseen challenges while mastering existing technologies.

“Drones are no longer just supporting tools; they are central players in any major conflict,” Sinha said. “They shape operations, gather intelligence, conduct kinetic operations, and highlight threats to force protection, mission success, and strategic objectives.”

Referring to Pakistan, he added, “Our western adversary has adapted well, using inexpensive commercial platforms for reconnaissance, disruption, and even direct attacks. Swarms, kamikaze drones, and persistent ISR are no longer possibilities; they are reality, as demonstrated in Operation Sindoor.”

He underlined the need for counter-UAS systems capable of “accurately detecting and identifying threats even in complex electromagnetic environments, and neutralising them effectively, proportionally, and without collateral damage.”