JAISALMER: After Operation Sindoor, the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer once again became a showcase for evolving warfare technology as the Indian Air Force on Monday commenced its first-ever Dronathon-2026, featuring demonstrations of advanced indigenous unmanned and counter-unmanned systems.The three-day exercise, being held from September 14 to 16, has brought together around 60 Indian companies under the banner of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Several defence companies, startups and innovators demonstrated their indigenously developed UAVs, Counter-UAS systems and one-way attack drones, showcasing their capabilities for modern drone warfare.The exercise was held in the presence of Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who was the chief guest. Senior IAF officers, including AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command, Air Marshal PV Shivanand; Director General (Weapons Systems) Air Marshal Prem Kumar; officials from the Ministry of Defence; and heads of several private defence manufacturing companies also attended the event.According to official IAF sources, Dronathon-2026 has been organised at the Pokhran range for the first time with the objective of creating a direct interface between indigenous defence companies and the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force.Unlike a conventional drone exhibition, the exercise focuses on live demonstrations and operational evaluation of unmanned systems. The participating companies demonstrated the capabilities, operational effectiveness and combat potential of their systems under realistic field conditions.Counter-drone systems showcased their ability to detect, track and neutralise hostile drones, including through technologies such as electronic jamming and interception. Indigenous one-way attack drones were also demonstrated for their potential to engage hostile air-defence and radar systems.The exercise comes at a time when the extensive use of UAVs, Counter-UAS systems and one-way attack drones during Operation Sindoor has highlighted the growing importance of drone warfare in modern military operations.Dronathon-2026 has been conceived as a broader platform for innovation, collaboration and capability development, rather than merely a display of new drone technologies. It aims to bridge the gap between technology developers and end users while translating emerging operational challenges into practical and indigenous solutions.A wide range of unmanned systems were showcased during the event, with live demonstrations covering applications related to defence and border surveillance, disaster management, infrastructure inspection and other civilian requirements.Several leading companies also established stalls at the range, displaying models and prototypes of their indigenous defence products.The event also witnessed participation by a large number of students and local youth. Live and static displays were organised to familiarise them with advanced technologies and emerging innovations, while various activities provided them with an opportunity to understand developments in the rapidly evolving unmanned systems domain.With the Pokhran range once again serving as a testing ground for cutting-edge military technology, Dronathon-2026 underlines the IAF’s growing focus on indigenous unmanned and autonomous systems and their integration into future warfare capabilities.
