New Delhi – Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has confirmed that India formally asked Pakistan to control its drone activities following multiple Pakistan drone intrusions in Jammu earlier this week. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 78th Army Day on January 15, the army chief revealed that Islamabad had launched defensive drones to assess whether New Delhi was preparing military action against it.
The Indian Director General of Military Operations contacted his Pakistani counterpart on Tuesday, explicitly stating that such Pakistan drone intrusions were unacceptable. Hours after these comments, drones were spotted at two separate locations in Jammu, prompting army fire. Additionally, a suspected Pakistani drone was observed in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer on Monday night.
Understanding the Defensive Drone Strategy
General Dwivedi explained the reasoning behind these Pakistan drone intrusions, noting that they occurred during a sensitive period. “In the period around January 15 (Army Day) and January 26 (Republic Day), Pakistan usually fears that the Indian Army may take some action,” he stated.
The army chief described the Pakistan drone intrusions as involving small drones flying with lights on at low altitudes. “Only a few were sighted — six or seven on January 10 and two to three on January 11-12. These drones were defensive drones launched to see if any action was being planned against them,” Dwivedi clarified.
He added that the Pakistan drone intrusions might also serve another purpose: identifying gaps in Indian deployments for potential terrorist infiltration. However, he firmly stated, “But there are no gaps.”
Proposed Rocket-Missile Force Development
Addressing broader defense capabilities, General Dwivedi announced India’s plans to establish a rocket-cum-missile force at the earliest opportunity. This initiative aims to boost combat effectiveness with weapons capable of hitting targets at various ranges, particularly relevant given the ongoing concerns about Pakistan drone intrusions and other security threats.
“It is the need of the hour that we raise such a force. Today, rockets and missiles complement each other…We are looking at a rocket-missile force as China and Pakistan have already raised their own rocket forces. And the faster we organise it, the better it will be for our combat effectiveness,” the army chief emphasized.
Components of the New Force
The proposed force would incorporate multiple weapon systems, including long-range Pinaka rockets tested at 120 km range, new rockets with ranges between 150 to 400 km, Pralay missiles, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, and other government-sanctioned weapon systems. This comprehensive approach would provide India with layered defense capabilities against threats including Pakistan drone intrusions.
Force Restructuring and Modernization
The push for a rocket-missile force aligns with the army’s decade of transformation, with force restructuring being a key pillar. General Dwivedi outlined several new structures now in place, including Rudra brigades for high-tempo multi-domain operations, Bhairav battalions for agility and disruptive effect, and Shaktibaan regiments.
“Divyastra batteries of artillery will use UAS/C-UAS (unmanned aerial systems/counter-UAS) for extended reach and real-time targeting,” he said, highlighting capabilities particularly relevant for countering Pakistan drone intrusions.
As many as 31 government sanction letters have been approved in the last 15 months to bring organizational changes, including raising integrated battle groups (IBG) and aviation brigades.
Operation Sindoor’s Strategic Impact
General Dwivedi highlighted Operation Sindoor as a powerful demonstration of coordinated joint service planning and execution. The four-day military confrontation with Pakistan in May provided valuable lessons being incorporated into the theaterisation model.
“Operation Sindoor helped in resetting the strategic assumptions as the Indian military struck deep inside Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure,” he stated, adding that the operation remains ongoing and future misadventures would be resolutely responded to.
The army chief noted that drones received major acceleration after Operation Sindoor, with the establishment of organizations comprising skilled operators for surveillance, force application, anti-radiation, jamming, and loitering munitions.
Kashmir Security Situation
Addressing the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan drone intrusions have been particularly concerning, General Dwivedi reported positive developments. “In 2025, 31 terrorists were eliminated, of which 65% were Pakistan origin, including the three perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack neutralised in Operation Mahadev,” he revealed.
Active local terrorists are now in single digits, with terrorist recruitment almost non-existent—only two in 2025. The army chief pointed to clear indicators of positive change, including robust development activity, tourism revival, and the peaceful Sri Amarnath Yatra that saw over four lakh pilgrims.
Theaterisation and Joint Operations
The army chief emphasized commitment to integrated structures through theatre commands, describing it as a deliberate, consultative, and well-synchronized process. “Modern conflict demands multi-domain synchronization,” Dwivedi stated, noting that theaterisation represents long-awaited reform for optimal use of military resources.
The situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains sensitive but firmly under control, with the theme of “terrorism to tourism” gradually taking shape despite occasional security concerns like Pakistan drone intrusions.
