The School of Artillery in Nashik, Maharashtra, has launched a drone flight and operations training program for officers of the Indian Army and Navy . The training aims to enhance these forces’ proficiency in modern warfare techniques, particularly the effective use of drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, and engagement of targets in urgent situations.
Detailed planning of the event: Exercise Topchi
This drone training is part of the annual exercise “Exercise Topchi ,” which features joint demonstrations of modern weapon systems and surveillance systems. Drones were used in this exercise to detect enemy movements, establish real-time communications, and demonstrate how to respond to targets.
Lt Gen NS Sarna, Commandant, School of Artillery, said that this year, officers from the Navy’s INS Dronacharya have also been included in the training, indicating that synergy and integration of drone training among all the defence branches is rapidly progressing in the future.
Extensive training for soldiers and officers
The training isn’t limited to senior officers. Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and soldiers are also being trained in drone operations, surveillance, and the use of armed unmanned aircraft (UAV) systems. This will help develop a broader capability for military personnel, rather than a limited number of users .
Cooperation for future combat operations
Exercise Topchi also demonstrated that drone technology is no longer just an auxiliary tool in today’s modern battlefield, but rather a core operational capability. It is being effectively used not only for surveillance, but also for enemy tracking, navigation, and weapons deployment.
Social interaction and performance
The exercise was witnessed by approximately 15,000 spectators , including training students from the Indian defense services, as well as officers from the Nepal Army Command and Staff College and students from local educational institutions. This demonstrates the interest and support advanced military training is gaining not only within the military but also within the broader civilian and defense education system.
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