New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to organise Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Range in Jaisalmer from September 14 to 16, 2026, providing a platform for domestic manufacturers, industry experts, start-ups and innovators to showcase their capabilities in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS).
The three-day event will feature static displays and live demonstrations, enabling stakeholders to witness emerging drone and counter-drone technologies and their operational applications. The initiative is aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing, encouraging collaboration and promoting mutual learning among the armed forces, industry and technology innovators.
Dronathon-2026 will also support the identification and evaluation of contemporary unmanned and counter-unmanned solutions, including their operational and combat effectiveness in evolving security environments.
Focus on Emerging Defence Technologies
Key areas of focus at the event will include surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies and electronic warfare. The demonstrations are expected to provide an opportunity to assess emerging capabilities relevant to modern military operations.
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, with an emphasis on strengthening the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing and technology ecosystem.
By bringing together established defence companies, domestic manufacturers, start-ups and innovators, Dronathon-2026 seeks to encourage greater industry participation and accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies for the Indian defence sector.
The IAF remains committed to building a technologically advanced, indigenous and future-ready force capable of addressing emerging security challenges in an increasingly dynamic operational environment.