Indigenous Unmanned Systems to Be Showcased at Pokhran

Indigenous unmanned systems will be showcased for the Indian Air Force at the Pokhran Firing Range in Rajasthan in September 2026. The demonstration will include long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, swarm drone technologies, expendable surveillance drones, logistics drones, and one-way attack drones.

Pokhran Firing Range

Pokhran Firing Range is a military training area in Rajasthan and lies about 270 kilometres from the Pakistan border. The site has been used for field trials, weapons testing, and military exercises by the Indian Armed Forces.

Unmanned Systems in Defence

Unmanned systems in military use include unmanned aerial vehicles, loitering munitions, and logistics drones. These platforms are used for surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo delivery, casualty evacuation, and strike missions.

Counter-UAS and Related Trials

The Indian Air Force completed a week-long helicopter training exercise named Rotor Clapp-III at Pokhran in August 2026. The exercise focused on Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems capabilities, which include detection, tracking, and neutralisation of hostile drones.

Important Facts for Exams

• Pokhran is located in Rajasthan and has been associated with major military trials in India.
• Long-range unmanned aerial vehicles can operate beyond 1,000 kilometres in some configurations.
• Loitering drones are also called one-way attack drones in defence usage.
• Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems is commonly abbreviated as Counter-UAS.

Previous Field Trials

The Indian Army conducted field trials at Pokhran on 31 May 2025 under simulated combat conditions. The trials covered indigenous unmanned platforms and electronic warfare solutions.