IAF’s Dronathon-2026 Showcases Next-Generation Drone Warfare Technology

The Indian Air Force organised its first Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from 14 to 16 September 2026. The three-day event focused on Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems for defence applications, with participation from Indian defence companies, startups, MSMEs, and innovators.

Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-Drone Systems

Unmanned Aerial Systems, or UAS, include drones, ground control stations, communication links, and payloads used for military or civilian tasks. Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems, or CUAS, include detection, tracking, jamming, interception, and neutralisation systems used against hostile drones. Technologies displayed at Dronathon-2026 included surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, drone swarms, electronic warfare, loitering munitions, and anti-drone systems. These systems are used in air defence, border surveillance, target acquisition, and battlefield support.

Operational Testing and Indigenous Development

The event assessed operational effectiveness, reliability, and adaptability of systems in contested environments. The format moved beyond static display and placed emphasis on field performance under military conditions. More than 20 Indian defence firms and ecosystem participants demonstrated unmanned systems at the event. The participation included established manufacturers, start-ups, and micro, small and medium enterprises engaged in defence technology development.

Vayu UTtaM and IAF UAS Roadmap

The Indian Air Force demonstrated Vayu UTtaM, an indigenous multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management system. The system can detect and track both military and civilian UAS in real time. Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit inaugurated the event and released the IAF UAS Roadmap. The roadmap is intended to align indigenous innovation with future operational requirements of the Indian Air Force.

Important Facts for Exams

• Pokhran Field Firing Range is located in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan and has been used for military exercises and weapons testing.
• Unmanned Traffic Management, or UTM, is a system used to manage drone movement in shared airspace.
• Loitering munitions are also called suicide drones and are designed to remain over an area before striking a target.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat is a Government of India initiative associated with domestic manufacturing and self-reliance.