India is set to build its first dedicated runway for drones and Remotely Piloted Aircraft in Meerut, marking a major step in strengthening unmanned warfare capabilities after Operation Sindoor highlighted the growing role of drones in modern combat.
The upcoming aviation base, planned by the Indian Army, will spread across more than 900 acres in Meerut. According to documents accessed by CNN-News18, the Border Roads Organisation under the Ministry of Defence has invited bids for Project Management Consultancy services for the Rs 406 crore project.
At the centre of the facility will be a 2,110 metre long and 45 metre wide runway. The airstrip is designed to handle High Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft as well as transport aircraft in the C 295 and C 130 category. The runway will have ICAO CAT II-compliant lighting and advanced navigational systems to allow operations even in low visibility conditions.
Two large hangars measuring 60 by 50 metres each will support maintenance and quick deployment of drones and aircraft. Officials estimate that the base will handle heavy aircraft movement every year along with nearly 1,500 drone operations annually, which means an average of about four drone sorties daily.
The move reflects the military’s increasing reliance on unmanned systems for surveillance, reconnaissance and precision targeting. During Operation Sindoor, drones were extensively used for real-time intelligence gathering and reducing risk to personnel. The experience underlined the need for dedicated infrastructure to support sustained unmanned missions.
High Altitude Long Endurance RPAs are capable of staying airborne for long durations at high altitudes, providing continuous surveillance over vast areas. In border regions, such sustained aerial presence improves situational awareness and strengthens response readiness.
The total timeline of the project is estimated at 85 months. Seven months have been set aside for pre-award planning and preparation of the Detailed Project Report, followed by 18 months of supervised construction. The execution plan also includes a 24-month defect liability period and 36 months of maintenance oversight to ensure long-term operational readiness.
The Meerut drone base is expected to emerge as a key strategic aviation hub, reflecting the Indian Army’s broader shift toward technology-driven and persistent aerial surveillance systems in future warfare.
