Indian Army Eagle on the Arm: At a press conference linked to the passing-out parade of the 150th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi said the Indian Army is changing itself into a more future-ready force under the “Decade of Transformation” plan. He said this change is not just talk. It is already visible in new unit types like drone battalions, Divyastra batteries, Shaktimaan regiments, and Bhairav battalions.
He also made it clear that the Army is looking at war in a very different way now. He used the phrase “Eagle on the Arm” and said, “Every soldier should have the capability to fly a drone.” In simple words, he wants drones to become as normal for soldiers as rifles and other basic kit. He said training is already going on in academies and simulators are available for this kind of work.
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What the “Eagle” Idea Means
The idea behind the “Eagle on the Arm” plan is very simple. A soldier in the future may not carry only a gun. The soldier may also carry a drone that can help during battle. That drone can be used for watching enemy movement, finding targets, striking with more care, helping with supplies, and even moving wounded people out of danger. The Army is also adding counter-drone tools so its own troops can stay safe from enemy drones too.
General Dwivedi also said that future wars will not stay in one place or one form. General Dwivedi pointed to fighting across land, air, sea, space, cyber, electromagnetic, and cognitive domains. He said, “The Indian Army is fully conscious of these changes.” He added that the younger generation will have a very big role in this change, and that the Army is building these new structures from within its own resources.
Why this matters for Soldiers?
This new thinking gives a clear message. Drones are no longer treated like fancy extras. They are being treated like a normal part of combat life. That means soldiers will have to learn not only how to shoot and move, but also how to fly small unmanned systems and use them smartly in the field.
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In the Army’s view, this will make troops faster, sharper, and harder to surprise. The soldier of tomorrow may stand on the battlefield with a weapon in one hand and an “eagle” in the other, ready to see farther and act sooner.
