“Ekta aur Dridhata – Where Skill Meets Altitude” was the guiding spirit behind Exercise Drone Kaushal-II, a landmark high-altitude drone warfare exercise conducted by the Golden Key Division of the Indian Army. Held at an altitude of 14,000 feet in the challenging Himalayan terrain, the exercise showcased how cutting-edge drone technology can be effectively integrated into mountain warfare and modern battlefield operations.
This first-of-its-kind initiative brought together 74 Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) from various combat units, who demonstrated their operational proficiency across multiple mission parameters. The exercise focused on essential aspects of drone employment in tactical scenarios, including navigation in extreme weather conditions, long-range surveillance, real-time reconnaissance, target tracking, and mission simulation. These operations were designed to enhance situational awareness, improve decision-making on the battlefield, and provide a technological edge in complex operational environments.
The Golden Key Gunners played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the exercise, showcasing how drone technology can extend the reach and effectiveness of conventional forces in high-altitude operations. The use of indigenous drone platforms underscored India’s push towards Aatmanirbharta, highlighting the growing capabilities of the domestic defence ecosystem in producing reliable, mission-ready unmanned systems.
Maj Gen Naveen Mahajan, General Officer Commanding, Golden Key Division, commended the troops for their exceptional skill, adaptability, and innovation throughout the exercise. He emphasised that drones will be a game-changer in future conflicts, enabling the Army to enhance its reconnaissance, logistics, and combat capabilities even in the most demanding terrains. He further stressed the importance of continued technological adaptation and training to build a future-ready, tech-enabled force capable of responding to evolving security challenges.
Exercise Drone Kaushal-II represents a significant step forward in the Indian Army’s modernisation journey. By combining altitude, advanced technology, and tactical expertise, the exercise not only showcased the transformative potential of unmanned aerial systems in warfare but also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in defence operations.
