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Indian Army Integrates 'Eagle on the Arm' with Unified Control Centres for Drone-Dense Battlefield: Focus on Atmanirbharta

Security & DefenceScience & TechPolityHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCPrelims MediumMains HighStatic GK Link
04 Jun 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Bodies:Indian Army
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What This Article Covers

1.Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi outlined a structured, tiered approach to integrate drones, UAVs, loitering munitions, and counter-UAS systems into the force, moving beyond mere procurement.

2.Key initiatives include 'Ashni' drone platoons at infantry battalion level for 'Eagle on the Arm' concept and Unified Control Centres (UCC) at division level to manage tactical unmanned assets.

3.Lessons from Operation Sindoor and global conflicts are driving reforms in doctrine, training, and procurement, emphasizing technology absorption, Atmanirbharta, and faster sensor-to-shooter cycles.

The Big Picture
Prelims · MediumMains · High

The Indian Army, under General Upendra Dwivedi, is undergoing a major doctrinal shift by integrating drones, loitering munitions, and counter-drone systems at all levels. This isn't just procurement; it's about absorbing technology into training, operations, and force structure to prepare for multi-domain, technology-intensive future conflicts. The move reinforces the case for military Atmanirbharta.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Army Chief (at time of article)General Upendra Dwivedi
Core Doctrine Concept'Eagle on the Arm'
New Command StructureUnified Control Centre (UCC) at Division level
Integrated Drone PlatoonAshni drone platoons at Infantry Battalion level

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Army Chief (at time of article): General Upendra Dwivedi
  • ›Core Doctrine Concept: 'Eagle on the Arm'
  • ›Target this Concept: 'Eagle on the Arm' doctrine for infantry battalions.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Unified Control Centre (UCC) established at the Division level.
  • ›Target this Initiative: Integration of 'Ashni' drone platoons at the battalion level.

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

As per the article, which level of military command has the Indian Army introduced the concept of a Unified Control Centre (UCC) to manage unmanned systems?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Army's drone integration strategy as discussed by General Upendra Dwivedi:

1. The 'Ashni' drone platoons are being integrated at the infantry battalion level to provide organic surveillance.

2. The primary aim is focused on rapid procurement of the largest possible number of drones from international suppliers.

3. Lessons from Operation Sindoor have reinforced the need for faster R&D and better integration among air defence, artillery, and intelligence assets.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What is the name of the concept described by Army Chief General Dwivedi that aims to give soldiers and small teams their own aerial awareness and tactical reach?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

According to the insights from the article, what is a key implication of treating drones as 'consumables' in modern warfare for India's defence policy?

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