Artificial Intelligence
oi-Oneindia Staff
As General Upendra Dwivedi prepares to retire as Chief of Army Staff on June 30, 2026, the informal title that has come to define his tenure – the “Drone General” – is being widely referenced in defence circles. Here is what lies behind it.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, retiring June 30, 2026, earned the “Drone General” title for vastly expanding the Indian Army’s drone fleet to over 50,000, establishing 25+ drone hubs, creating new multi-domain units, and boosting indigenous defense manufacturing.
Why is he called the Drone General?
The title reflects the scale and speed of the Indian Army’s drone expansion during his tenure. When General Dwivedi took charge, the Army possessed only a few hundred drones. That figure has since crossed 50,000 and is projected to double again within two to three years – one of the fastest expansions of unmanned capability by any major land force in recent years.
What infrastructure was built to support this?
More than 25 Drone and Counter-Drone Hubs have been established across military stations nationwide. These function as integrated facilities for training, induction, maintenance and operational employment, allowing the Army to sustain drone operations across multiple theatres rather than concentrating capability in a few specialist units.
Did the Army’s reach actually change, or just its inventory?
Both. Precision engagement and surveillance architectures have been extended to distances approaching 500 kilometres, a significant increase from the largely tactical ranges that defined earlier capability. This affects both offensive reach and the Army’s ability to monitor activity well beyond traditional surveillance limits.
What new units were created?
Six categories of new formations: Bhairav Battalions, Ashni Platoons, Rudra All Arms Brigades, Shaktibaan Regiments, Divyastra Batteries, and the continuing evolution of Integrated Battle Groups. These were built specifically for multi-domain, capability-centric warfare rather than adapted from existing structures.
Was this tested operationally?
Yes – during Operation Sindoor, which involved the coordinated use of drones, loitering munitions, electronic warfare and real-time intelligence fusion. The operation is increasingly cited within strategic circles as a template for India’s future approach to warfare, offering the clearest available evidence that the new architecture functions under operational conditions.
What about indigenous manufacturing?
Self-reliance was treated as an operational priority. Partnerships with DRDO, private industry, MSMEs and start-ups accelerated the development of Indian-made drones, counter-drone systems and AI-enabled battlefield technologies. Nearly all special clothing requirements and a substantial share of ammunition needs are now sourced domestically.
Did this extend beyond hardware?
Yes. Nearly 25 doctrines, strategic guidelines and policy documents were issued during the tenure, covering land warfare, space, red teaming and other emerging domains. Military diplomacy was also expanded – the UNTCC Chiefs Conclave brought together representatives from 32 countries, and the “Friends for Life” platform connected nearly 100,000 alumni of Indian military training institutions worldwide.
General Dwivedi’s successor inherits an institution substantially restructured around drone and multi-domain capabilities. Defence observers say the central question for the next tenure is whether the pace of transformation can be sustained, or whether it was specific to this particular Chief’s leadership.
