Indian Air Force to host 'Dronathon-2026' at Pokhran Range to boost indigenous drone and counter-drone capabilities

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host "Dronathon-2026," a major event aimed at providing domestic manufacturers a platform to exhibit their capabilities and advancements in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS). According to the Ministry of Defence, the event is designed to help stakeholders witness emerging drone and counter-drone technologies, alongside operational demonstrations, to foster mutual learning.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer from September 14 to 16, 2026. Comprising both static displays and live demonstrations, Dronathon-2026 will serve as a platform to identify contemporary solutions and evaluate their overall combat effectiveness. The key focus areas for the event include:

• Enhancing real-time intelligence gathering capabilities.
• Demonstrating self-operating aerial systems.
• Showcasing coordinated, multi-drone operational networks.
• Evaluating systems designed to disrupt or counter hostile unmanned aerial assets.

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Through initiatives like this, the IAF is committing to building a technologically advanced, indigenous, and future-ready force capable of meeting security challenges in a rapidly changing operational environment.