IAF Dronathon 2026 Begins in Jaisalmer to Test Advanced Unmanned Systems

The Indian Air Force has launched its first Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, bringing defence companies, startups and innovators together to test unmanned technologies under realistic operational conditions. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, inaugurated the three-day event on September 14. The Dronathon, scheduled from September 14 to 16, features more than 20 defence companies, startups, MSMEs, DPSUs and innovators from India’s expanding unmanned systems sector.

The initiative is aimed at allowing the IAF to directly engage with industry and assess emerging Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in demanding environments. The participating organisations are demonstrating technologies designed for surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm capabilities, electronic warfare and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the focus of the exercise is to move beyond demonstrations of individual technologies and examine their potential operational impact. The systems are being assessed for reliability, effectiveness in challenging and contested environments, and their ability to respond to changing operational requirements and emerging threats.

During the opening day, the IAF also released its ‘IAF UAS Roadmap’. The document is intended to provide greater clarity to Indian industry, academia and research organisations regarding the force’s future requirements and capability priorities in unmanned airborne systems. Vayu UTtaM is designed to help coordinate UAS operations in increasingly crowded airspace and assist in identifying and addressing unauthorised or rogue drones. Its potential applications could extend beyond defence to airspace safety, critical infrastructure, civil aviation and public safety.