In a major leap toward technology-driven warfare, India is set to build its first dedicated drone runway and aviation base in Meerut, following key lessons from Operation Sindoor that underscored the rising importance of unmanned systems in modern combat.
Planned by the Indian Army and executed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) under the Ministry of Defense, the Rs 406-crore project will span over 900 acres. The facility will feature a 2,110-metre-long and 45-metre-wide runway tailored for High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), along with C-295 and C-130 class transport aircraft.
Designed with ICAO CAT-II compliant lighting and advanced navigation systems, the runway will enable operations even in low-visibility conditions. Two large hangars will support maintenance and rapid deployment, strengthening the Army’s ability to sustain prolonged unmanned missions.
The base is expected to handle heavy aircraft traffic annually and around 1,500 drone sorties each year — averaging nearly four operations daily. Officials say the move reflects a strategic shift, with HALE platforms transitioning from auxiliary support roles to core operational assets for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision targeting.
Operation Sindoor demonstrated how drones can provide real-time intelligence while minimizing risks to personnel. Military planners now see sustained aerial presence as critical for border monitoring and rapid response.
With an 85-month timeline that includes planning, construction, and maintenance oversight, the Meerut aviation hub is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s expanding unmanned warfare capabilities.
