Following lessons from Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army is set to build India’s first dedicated runway for drones and RPAs at a new base in Meerut, with the Border Roads Organisation initiating development of the Rs 406 crore facility to boost aerial surveillance capabilities.
In a major security upgrade following Operation Sindoor, which highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, India is set to build its first dedicated runway for drones and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to strengthen aerial surveillance capabilities, CNN-News18 reported.
The Indian Army will establish the base across more than 900 acres in Meerut. The Border Roads Organisation, under the Ministry of Defence, has initiated the process to develop a dedicated military aviation facility for High Altitude Long Endurance RPAs. The BRO has invited bids for Project Management Consultancy services for the Rs 406 crore project.
Runway and infrastructure details
The facility will feature a 2,110-metre-long and 45-metre-wide runway designed for remotely piloted aircraft as well as transport aircraft in the C-295 and C-130 class. It will include ICAO CAT-II compliant lighting and advanced navigation systems to enable operations in low-visibility conditions. Two large hangars, each measuring 60 by 50 metres, will support aircraft housing, maintenance, and rapid deployment.
Operational capacity
The base is expected to support heavy aircraft movement annually along with around 1,500 RPA operations, averaging roughly four drone sorties per day.
Strategic significance
The project reflects the growing role of unmanned systems in military operations. During Operation Sindoor, drones were extensively used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision targeting, enhancing situational awareness while reducing risks to personnel.
Military planners say these lessons have reinforced the need for dedicated infrastructure to sustain high-tempo unmanned missions. HALE RPAs are designed for long-endurance, high-altitude operations, providing real-time intelligence across vast areas and enabling faster, more proactive responses in sensitive border situations.
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