IAF Dronathon 2026 to Showcase Indigenous Drone and Counter-Drone Technologies
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
New Delhi, September 8, 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to organise Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from September 14 to 16, bringing together domestic defence manufacturers, start-ups, innovators and technology experts to showcase advances in unmanned aerial systems.
The three-day event will focus on emerging capabilities in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as well as Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS). Through static displays and live demonstrations, the programme will provide an opportunity to examine how new-generation drone technologies can support military operations and how counter-drone systems can respond to evolving aerial threats.
Live Demonstrations to Highlight Operational Capabilities
Dronathon-2026 will combine technology exhibitions with field-based demonstrations, allowing participating organisations and stakeholders to assess the practical performance of emerging systems.
The IAF intends to use the event to study contemporary technological solutions and assess their potential combat effectiveness in operationally relevant conditions.
Among the major technology areas being highlighted are:
- Surveillance and reconnaissance
- Autonomous drone operations
- Swarm-based technologies
- Electronic warfare
- Counter-drone capabilities
The demonstrations are expected to provide valuable insights into how these technologies could be integrated into future defence operations.
Boost to India’s Indigenous Defence Ecosystem
The initiative is aligned with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and seeks to encourage greater participation from India’s domestic defence technology sector.
By bringing together established industry players, start-ups, innovators and subject-matter experts, the Dronathon is intended to create a platform for technological exchange, operational learning and identification of promising indigenous solutions.
The growing importance of unmanned systems has transformed modern military operations, with drones increasingly being used for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and other specialised missions. At the same time, the ability to detect, track and neutralise hostile or unauthorised unmanned platforms has become an important component of modern battlefield preparedness.
IAF Focuses on a Future-Ready Force
Through Dronathon-2026, the Indian Air Force aims to strengthen interaction between India’s defence users and technology developers while encouraging the development of locally designed and produced systems.
The initiative reflects the IAF’s broader emphasis on technological innovation and indigenous capability development as it prepares for an increasingly complex operational environment.
The event is expected to help identify technologies that can contribute to building a more advanced, self-reliant and future-ready Indian Air Force, while giving domestic manufacturers an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities in front of key defence stakeholders.
© IBG NEWS
