India will launch its largest & biggest drone and counter-drone exercise, Cold Start, in the first week of October 2025. This major tri-service (Army, Navy, and Air Force) drill intends to test and improve India’s air defence and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capabilities in response to changing threats.
Key Details,Objectives & Goals
Scale and Scope
Military officials said the drill is the largest drone war scenario India has ever conducted at home. It emphasises the strength of India’s aerial defence stance by simulating situations involving both drones and counter-drone equipment.
Strategic Context
Following cross-border battles with Pakistan in May 2025, in which unmanned aircraft systems were a prominent factor in the fighting, India took this action. According to officials, India needs to keep up with the rapid advancements in adversaries’ drone capabilities.
Integration with “Sudarshan Chakra”
Additionally, Cold Start is meant to serve as a testbed and predecessor for India’s enormous Sudarshan Chakra project, which aims to construct an integrated air defence infrastructure by 2035.
Watchable Innovations & Capabilities:
Counter-Drone Systems:
Counter-drone (C-UAS) technology has been developing in India’s defence sector. Bhargavastra, a private sector counter-drone system based on micromissiles, is one notable example. Using a layered “hard-kill” strategy, Bhargavastra is designed to attack threats within roughly 2.5 km. For swarm-level threats, it will use unguided micro-rockets, and for more elusive drones, it will use guided micro-missiles.
UAV & Drone Technology Push :
India is encouraging the development of domestic drones at the same time. For instance, a $234 million incentive scheme is being created to promote domestic R&D for drone components, software, and manufacturing. The Kaala Bhairav, a revolutionary AI-powered medium-altitude drone, was presented in Bengaluru with the promise of swarm striking capabilities and endurance of 30 hours.
Challenges & Consequences
Integration of Technology
It is still very difficult to seamlessly integrate drones, counter-drone systems, radars, command and control nets, and human operators. It is anticipated that Cold Start will reveal weaknesses in cross-platform coordination, latency, sensor fusion, and communication.
Regional Signalling & Escalation Risks:
Such a massive exercise sends a strong message to regional players like China and Pakistan as well as internally. It highlights India’s determination to defend its airspace and prevent invasions made possible by drones.
Pressures on the Budget and Procurement:
It will take consistent investment, the acquisition of cutting-edge electronics and sensors, and assistance for local industry to strengthen drone and counter-drone capabilities. One important test is to make sure these systems become long-term capabilities rather than just “one-off” displays.
Conclusion
So Cold Start represents a pivotal moment in India’s defense modernization. It is a test of doctrine, integration, and industrial self-reliance rather than only a military exercise. India’s defensive posture will be influenced for years to come by its performance, particularly as unmanned and aerial systems become increasingly important in future conflicts.
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About the Author: Jyoti Verma
