Army Conducts Drone Exercise Amid ULFA-I Strike Speculation

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ULFA-I chief Paresh Baruah, in a telephonic interview to a local newspaper, said, “From time to time I talk with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, but not regularly.”

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, July 26, 2025 — The Indian Army’s Spear Corps concluded Exercise Drone Prahar, a forward-area military drill that showcased the seamless integration of cutting-edge drone technology into tactical battlefield operations. The exercise was conducted under realistic operational conditions in the northeastern theatre, near the India-Myanmar border.

Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of Spear Corps, witnessed the culmination of the exercise, which focused on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), precision targeting, and secure, multi-arm coordination using drone systems. The exercise reinforced the Army’s strategic push towards a “Strong, Agile, Responsive, and Technology-Enabled Force.”

“This marks a significant milestone in transforming battlefield tactics through layered surveillance, dynamic decision-making systems, and integrated drone warfare,” said a statement from the Indian Army’s Manipur PRO.

The week-long exercise saw troops compete and cooperate in a high-pressure simulated battlefield environment. They demonstrated precision control, agility, and real-time situational awareness using advanced drone platforms—skills crucial for next-generation warfare.

Amid Speculation Over Cross-Border Drone Strikes on ULFA-I

The timing of the exercise drew attention following a Deccan Chronicle report, which noted that the drills took place “amid confusion over multiple drone strikes targeting ULFA-I camps in Myanmar earlier this month.” According to the report, two bases of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) were nearly destroyed in the attacks, resulting in the deaths of several cadres, including three top commanders.

Although the Indian Army has officially denied any involvement in those cross-border strikes, security analysts see Exercise Drone Prahar as a clear signal of the Army’s enhanced capability and readiness in drone-led tactical missions.

Adding to the intrigue, said the Hyderabad-based daily, ULFA-I chief Paresh Baruah, in a telephonic interview to a local newspaper, said, “From time to time I talk with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, but not regularly. Let us see whether he can influence the Central Government to hold talks with ULFA-I on the core issue.”

Future of Warfare: Tech-Enabled and Agile

Defence analysts say Drone Prahar reflects a broader shift in India’s military doctrine—emphasizing tech innovation, rapid adaptability, and seamless coordination across forces. With rising regional threats and the evolution of asymmetric warfare, drones are increasingly central to India’s operational strategy in border areas.

As India faces both external challenges and internal insurgency threats, integrated drone warfare may become a defining feature of its counter-insurgency and cross-border deterrence framework.