India to Build First Dedicated Drone Runway in Major Defence Upgrade
New Delhi/Meerut: In a decisive step toward future-ready warfare, India is set to build its first dedicated runway for drones and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), underscoring the military’s growing reliance on unmanned surveillance and strike capabilities.
The specialised aviation facility will be developed over more than 900 acres in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), functioning under the Ministry of Defence, has initiated the process and invited bids for Project Management Consultancy services for the project, estimated at ₹406 crore.
High-Tech Runway and Support Systems
At the heart of the project will be a 2,110-metre-long and 45-metre-wide runway designed primarily for High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) RPAs. The airstrip will also be capable of handling medium transport aircraft in the C-295 and C-130 category, giving the facility added operational flexibility.
Officials say the runway will feature ICAO CAT-II compliant lighting and advanced navigation aids to enable safe take-offs and landings even in low-visibility conditions. The base will also house two large hangars, each measuring 60×50 metres, to support aircraft parking, maintenance and rapid deployment.
Capacity to Sustain High-Tempo Operations
Defence planners estimate the base could support heavy aircraft movement annually along with around 1,500 RPA sorties — averaging nearly four drone missions per day. The infrastructure is being designed to maintain sustained unmanned surveillance over sensitive regions.
Strategic Lessons Driving the Project
The move reflects the expanding role of drones in modern military doctrine. During Operation Sindoor, unmanned platforms were extensively deployed for surveillance, reconnaissance and precision targeting, significantly improving situational awareness while reducing risk to personnel.
Military planners believe those operational lessons have accelerated the need for dedicated unmanned aviation infrastructure. HALE RPAs, capable of flying at high altitudes for extended durations, are expected to provide continuous real-time intelligence across vast and sensitive border areas.
With this project, India is signalling a clear strategic shift — from merely operating drones to building specialised ecosystems that can sustain high-end unmanned warfare in the years ahead.
