In a significant move to enhance its air defence capabilities, the Indian armed forces will conduct ‘Exercise Cold Star’ from October 6-10 in Madhya Pradesh, focusing on drone and counter-drone systems. This exercise, described as the largest of its kind since the recent conflict with Pakistan, will involve the participation of all three military services, along with industry partners and research institutions. Air Marshal Rakesh Sinha, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, emphasized the importance of evolving military strategies, particularly in light of lessons drawn from recent operational experiences. The exercise aims to rigorously test some of India’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as well as counter-UAS technologies, paving the way for a more robust air defence framework. Additionally, India is advancing its indigenous air defence initiative, ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, slated for completion by 2035, which aims to establish a comprehensive air defence network comparable to Israel’s Iron Dome. This development underscores the heightened urgency in both India and Pakistan to advance drone technology, marking the beginning of a drone arms race in the region, and reflects India’s commitment to maintaining strategic superiority in aerial warfare capabilities.