‘Cold Start’ Exercise

The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force will jointly conduct ‘Cold Start’, the country’s largest drone and counter-drone exercise, in the first week of October 2025. 

• The exercise, likely to be held in Madhya Pradesh, comes after Operation Sindoor, where Indian counter-drone and GPS-jamming systems proved effective in neutralising adversary drones.

Key Objectives

• Evaluate operational readiness against emerging aerial threats, including drones, UAVs, and swarms.
• Test effectiveness of current air defence systems and identify gaps.
• Involve multiple stakeholders: industry partners, R&D agencies, academia, and the defence establishment.

Strategic Significance

• Learning from Operation Sindoor: While India successfully prevented drone damage during the operation, adversaries also studied Indian capabilities. The upcoming exercise will focus on staying ahead of rival technology and tactics.
• Future readiness: The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, stressed the need for an integrated air defence system based on the Sudarshan Chakra concept, capable of countering drones, UAVs, hypersonic weapons, and even threats from anti-social use of drones.
• Continuous innovation: Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations), Rakesh Sinha, emphasised that the future of warfare is a contest between drones and counter-measures, making sustained investment and technological refinement crucial.

Technology Focus

• Precise detection and identification in complex electromagnetic environments.
• Proportional engagement strategies to minimise collateral damage.
• Seamless integration with existing air defence networks.
• Artificial intelligence for rapid classification and response.

With reference to ‘Cold Start’ exercise of the Indian Armed Forces, consider the following statements:

1. It will be India’s largest joint exercise focusing on drones and counter-drone systems.
2. The exercise is scheduled to be held in Madhya Pradesh in October 2025.
3. Its main objective is to test nuclear deterrence strategies under the Integrated Theatre Commands.
4. The concept of an integrated defence system, inspired by the Sudarshan Chakra, was highlighted during discussions on this exercise.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only 

(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

Article Link