IAF Launches First ‘Dronathon-2026’ at Pokhran

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched its first Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer, from September 14–16, 2026. Inaugurated by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, the three-day event brings together more than 20 defence companies, start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs and innovators.

• The initiative aims to evaluate advanced unmanned systems under realistic operational conditions, focusing on surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies, electronic warfare and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS). 

• The IAF is assessing these systems for reliability, effectiveness in contested environments, adaptability and ability to counter emerging threats.

• A major highlight is the release of the ‘IAF UAS Roadmap’, which will guide industry, academia and research organisations regarding the Air Force’s future unmanned-system requirements. The event also showcased ‘Vayu UTtaM’, an indigenous multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system capable of detecting and tracking military and civil unmanned aircraft in real time. 

• It can support airspace safety, critical infrastructure protection and public safety.

• Dronathon-2026 reflects India’s focus on Atmanirbharta by developing an integrated unmanned ecosystem covering airframes, propulsion, sensors, payloads, communications, autonomy, electronic warfare, countermeasures and airspace management.

MCQ

Question 1.

Q. With reference to ‘Dronathon-2026’, consider the following statements:

1. It is being organised by the Indian Air Force.
2. It is being conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer.
3. Its objective is limited only to testing drone airframes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B