The Indian Air Force’s First ‘Dronathon-2026’ commenced today at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer. The three day event aims to strengthen the national goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and enhance the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities in the unmanned systems domain. It brings together domestic manufacturers to showcase their capabilities and advancements in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), inaugurated the event. He highlighted the nation’s growing capabilities in unmanned technologies and stressed the importance of developing indigenous defence technologies. During the three-day event, companies from the country’s defence and technology sectors will conduct live demonstrations of their indigenous drone and anti-drone technologies. The focus of the event is on drones and technologies designed to counter them rather than fighter jets or missiles. Domestic manufacturers, startups, innovators from across the country are showcasing their capabilities in Dronothon-2026.