The Indian Air Force is organizing Dronathon-2026, an event scheduled from September 14 to 16, 2026, at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer. The event aims to provide domestic manufacturers with a platform to exhibit their capabilities and advancements in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS).
The program comprises static displays and live demonstrations designed to help stakeholders witness emerging drone and counter-drone technologies along with their operational demonstrations. The event will help identify contemporary solutions and evaluate their combat effectiveness, with key focus areas including surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies, and electronic warfare.
Aligning with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), Dronathon-2026 aims to bolster the indigenous defence ecosystem by integrating industry experts, start-ups, and innovators. Through this initiative, the IAF demonstrates its commitment to building a technologically advanced, indigenous, and future-ready force capable of meeting security challenges in the rapidly changing operational environment.