The Indian Air Force (IAF) formally launched its first Dronathon-2026 on September 14 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, marking a significant step in integrating emerging unmanned technologies into operational frameworks. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, inaugurated the three-day event (September 14-16), which brought together over 20 Indian defence companies, Startups, MSMEs, DPSUs and innovators for live trials under realistic field conditions.
Keywords: IAF Dronathon-2026, Pokhran Field Firing Range, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vayu UTtaM UTM system, IAF UAS Roadmap, indigenous drone technology, Counter-UAS India
The demonstrations covered a broad spectrum of systems, including surveillance and reconnaissance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), loitering munitions, swarm technologies, electronic warfare payloads and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS). The central objective is clear: move beyond laboratory prototypes to validated, battle-relevant capability by assessing reliability, effectiveness in contested environments and adaptability to evolving threats. Participants are testing solutions against identified operational requirements, enabling the IAF to pinpoint capability gaps and accelerate induction pathways.
A key highlight on the opening day was the live demonstration of ‘Vayu UTtaM’, the IAF’s indigenously developed multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system. The ground-based platform successfully detected and tracked both military and civil UAS in real time, showcasing its potential to manage increasingly congested airspace while identifying and mitigating unauthorised or rogue drones. Officials noted that the system has applications extending beyond pure military use, including critical infrastructure protection, civil aviation safety and public security.
During the inauguration, Air Marshal Dixit also released the IAF UAS Roadmap. The document provides industry, academia and research organisations with clear guidance on the Service’s future capability priorities, facilitating focused innovation aligned with operational needs. The initiative reflects the IAF’s view of unmanned systems as a vital complement to manned aviation, enhancing reach, persistence, responsiveness and flexibility for commanders.
Dronathon-2026 is designed as a practical bridge between domestic innovators and military requirements. By placing emerging technologies under realistic scrutiny at Pokhran, the IAF is reinforcing the national push for self-reliance in critical defence technologies while preparing for the realities of modern aerial warfare. The event signals a deliberate shift, from technology demonstration to measurable operational effect.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
