Lt Gen Sharma said that ARTRAC had identified 33 niche technologies—including drones, cyber warfare, battlefield artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare systems—for incorporation into army training

The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) on Thursday announced to train all Indian Army soldiers with working of drones by the year 2027. The announcement was made by Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ARTRAC, while addressing officers, awardees, and guests at the ARTRAC Investiture Ceremony 2025, held in Shimla on Thursday.

Interacting with the media persons, Lt Gen Sharma said, “Indian Army’s performance in Operation Sindoor had demonstrated remarkable capabilities, especially in the use of drones. Drawing on those insights, ARTRAC has initiated a roadmap that will make drone operation an integral part of every soldier’s training.”

“In Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army showcased exceptional capability, particularly through the deployment of drones. Learning from that, we have decided that by 2027, every Indian soldier will be trained in drone operations. Drones will become the ‘third arm’ of the modern Indian soldier,” he said.

Lt Gen Sharma said that ARTRAC had identified 33 niche technologies—including drones, cyber warfare, battlefield artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare systems—for incorporation into army training. To institutionalise these capabilities, 14 centres of expertise have been established across various training institutions. He said that ARTRAC has set a goal for the complete absorption of these technologies by 2030, backed by an investment of ₹390 crore over the next five years in infrastructure, research and development, and simulation-based training systems.