Indian Air Force holds its first Dronathon at Pokhran to test Indian unmanned systems
On 14 September 2026, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit inaugurated the first Indian Air Force Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Summary
The Indian Air Force (IAF) Dronathon-2026, the first such event, opened at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and runs from 14 to 16 September 2026. It brings together over 20 defence companies, start-ups, MSMEs, Defence PSUs and innovators to demonstrate Unmanned Aircraft Systems under realistic operational conditions. Demonstrations cover surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies, electronic warfare and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS). The IAF says the central aim is to move from technology demonstration to operational effect, and it sees unmanned systems as a complement to manned aviation. Senior officials of the Defence Ministry, HQ Integrated Defence Staff, the Army and the BSF attended the inauguration.
Key facts
- Event
- IAF Dronathon-2026 — first edition
- Dates / venue
- 14–16 Sep 2026, Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
- Inaugurated by
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff
- Participants
- 20+ firms — start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs, innovators
- Areas
- ISR, autonomy, swarms, electronic warfare, counter-UAS
- Aim
- From technology demonstration to operational effect
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Where is the first Indian Air Force Dronathon-2026 being held?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer
Dronathon-2026 is being held at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from 14 to 16 September 2026.
Who inaugurated the Indian Air Force Dronathon-2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, inaugurated the event on 14 September 2026.