/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-175864526158218226.webp)
The Indian armed forces will test the capabilities of drones and counter-drone systems during an exercise organised by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in the first week of October. The exercise, named 'Cold Start', will take place in Madhya Pradesh from October 6-10, PTI reported, citing sources. All three services - Army, Navy, and Air Force - will participate, along with industry partners, research and development agencies, academia, and other stakeholders.Air Marshal Rakesh Sinha, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) at HQ IDS, said the aim of the exercise is "to have an air defence system and Counter-UAS that is more robust". Counter-UAS refers to Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems.The announcement came during a conference
in Delhi on air defence systems, themed "Counter UAVs & Air Defence Systems: The Future of Modern Warfare". The event brought together senior military officers, defence industry representatives, and domain experts.Air Marshal Sinha also highlighted lessons learned from Operation Sindoor and stressed the importance of staying ahead of potential adversaries in military planning and strategy.The exercise follows Ran Samwad, a first-of-its-kind tri-service seminar on war and warfare held in August at the Army War College in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, delivering the plenary address at the seminar on August 27, emphasised the need to master existing technologies while preparing for new innovations and unforeseen challenges."Future wars will not merely be battles of weapons; they will be a combined play of technology, intelligence, economy and diplomacy. The nation which masters the triangle of technology, strategy and adaptability will emerge as the true global power," Singh said."This is the moment to learn from history and write a new one. This is the moment to anticipate the future and shape one," he added.
