INDIAN AIR FORCE DRONATHON - 2026
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit inaugurated the first Indian Air Force Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer. The three-day event engages with India's unmanned systems industry to assess emerging technologies under realistic operational conditions. During the event, the VCAS released the 'IAF UAS Roadmap' and showcased the indigenously developed 'Vayu UTtaM' traffic management system.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for defense and current affairs sections of competitive exams, highlighting indigenous military initiatives, UAV technology advancements, and Atmanirbharta in the Indian Air Force.
In Simple Words
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit inaugurated the first Indian Air Force Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer. This three-day event runs from 14 to 16 September 2026 and brings together over 20 leading defence companies, start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs, and innovators.
Participants are demonstrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems and technologies like surveillance, swarm technologies, and electronic warfare. The VCAS also released the 'IAF UAS Roadmap' and demonstrated the indigenously developed 'Vayu UTtaM' Unmanned Traffic Management system.
Key Points
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit inaugurated IAF Dronathon-2026.
- The event is held at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer.
- It is a three-day event planned from 14 to 16 September 2026.
- Over 20 leading defence companies, start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs, and innovators are participating.
- The VCAS released the 'IAF UAS Roadmap'.
- The IAF demonstrated its indigenously developed 'Vayu UTtaM' Unmanned Traffic Management system.
- Dronathon-2026 reinforces the IAF's commitment to Atmanirbharta in unmanned systems.
Exam Angle
A. Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer
Source: Press Information Bureau