Cold Start’ exercise to test air-defence readiness against emerging aerial threats
NEW DELHI
India is set to conduct its largest drone and counter-drone exercise since Operation Sindoor during the first week of October, a senior defence official confirmed on Tuesday. The joint exercise, codenamed ‘Cold Start’, will take place in the Central Sector to evaluate the effectiveness of current air-defence systems and counter-UAV measures, while identifying gaps in operational readiness.
Officials stated the drill will simulate multiple hostile drone incursions to test detection, tracking, GPS jamming, and neutralisation capabilities. “The exercise will assess readiness against evolving aerial threats,” the official said, noting that lessons from Operation Sindoor will guide deployment strategies.
Speaking at a Delhi conference on “Counter UAVs & Air Defence Systems – The Future of Modern Warfare,” Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, highlighted rapid advancements in drone capabilities by adversaries, including Pakistan. “Our counter-drone and GPS jamming systems worked well during Operation Sindoor, but adversaries have adapted. Next time, we must stay ahead,” he said.
Rakesh Sinha, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations), emphasized that future conflicts will depend on the balance between drones and defensive measures. He stressed AI-driven detection, precise identification in complex electromagnetic environments, and integration with existing air-defence networks to ensure swift, proportionate responses.
Defence planners regard Cold Start as vital for strengthening India’s layered air-defence architecture and enhancing deterrence against rapidly evolving drone threats.
