IAF’s Dronathon puts indigenous drone systems to the test at Pokhran
The Indian Air Force is hosting 'Dronathon' at the Pokhran Field Firing Range to test indigenous unmanned aerial systems under operational conditions. The event aims to align industry innovation with military requirements for surveillance, swarm technology, and electronic warfare.
Why it matters
This initiative reflects India's strategic push toward self-reliance in defense technology and the modernization of its aerial warfare capabilities.
Indian Air Force's 'Dronathon' is currently underway at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer. The IAF sees unmanned systems as a genuine complement to manned aviation, giving commanders more options to extend the reach, persistence and flexibility of air operations. Through Dronathon, participating companies are demonstrating their Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) at Pokhran, spanning surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies, electronic warfare and counter-drone systems. The real emphasis this year is shifting from simple tech demos to actual operational effect, testing how reliably these systems perform under contested, demanding conditions.Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff inaugurated the event, with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, HQ Integrated Defence Staff, the Army and BSF attended the event.
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