Indian Air Force Launches Dronathon-2026 in Jaisalmer to Showcase Indigenous Unmanned Technologies
Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit inaugurated the three-day Dronathon-2026 in Jaisalmer. The event aims to boost self-reliance in unmanned aerial systems and test new technologies under real operational conditions. During the event, the Air Force successfully demonstrated its new unmanned traffic management system, 'Vayu Uttam', designed to coordinate both military and civilian drone operations effectively.
The Indian Air Force has organized its first 'Dronathon-2026' at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer. Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit officially inaugurated the three-day event. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Integrated Defence Staff, the Indian Army, and the Border Security Force were present at the ceremony. This initiative serves as a platform to connect the Indian Air Force directly with the unmanned aerial systems industry and test emerging technologies.
The event, running from September 14 to 16, features participation from over 20 major defense companies, start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators. The Air Force views unmanned systems as a vital complement to manned aviation, enhancing operational flexibility and endurance. At Pokhran, participants are demonstrating various capabilities, including surveillance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies, and electronic warfare.
During the event, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit released the 'Indian Air Force Unmanned Aerial Systems Roadmap'. This document provides clear guidance to the defense industry regarding future requirements. Its primary objective is to foster innovation and encourage industry players, academic institutions, and research organizations to align their capabilities with the future needs of the Indian Air Force.
On the first day of Dronathon, a successful demonstration of the indigenous Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system, 'Vayu Uttam', was conducted. This system is capable of detecting and monitoring both military and civilian unmanned aerial systems. Beyond coordinating operations in congested airspace, it will play a crucial role in identifying unauthorized or hazardous drones.
The application of this technology will not be limited to military purposes but can also be extended to airspace security, civil aviation, and public safety. The goal of Dronathon-2026 is not merely to display technology but to prove the reliability and effectiveness of these systems under challenging operational conditions.
This event underscores the Air Force's commitment to self-reliance in the field of unmanned aerial systems. The focus is on developing the entire ecosystem, including airframes, propulsion systems, sensors, communication, and airspace management.