FAST READ
India's first IAF Dronathon ran from 14-16 September 2026 at Pokhran with 20+ defence companies, start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs and innovators. The IAF released a UAS Roadmap and demonstrated the indigenous multi-mode Vayu UTtaM unmanned traffic-management system.
WHY IN NEWS
On 14 September 2026, the Vice Chief of the Air Staff inaugurated the first IAF Dronathon at Pokhran to test unmanned systems under realistic operational conditions and align industry innovation with future Air Force requirements.
TOP DATA & FACTS
- First IAF Dronathon was scheduled for 14-16 September 2026.
- Venue: Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer.
- More than 20 companies, start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs and innovators participated.
- The IAF released an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap.
- Demonstrations included surveillance and reconnaissance.
- Autonomous and swarm technologies were included.
- Electronic warfare and Counter-UAS capabilities were included.
- Vayu UTtaM is an indigenously developed multi-mode UTM system.
- The demonstration detected and tracked both military and civil UAS.
- UTM can help identify and mitigate unauthorised or rogue drones.
- The ecosystem includes propulsion, sensors, payloads, communications and autonomy.
- Potential non-military uses include civil aviation, critical infrastructure and public safety.
PRELIMS
- First IAF Dronathon was scheduled for 14-16 September 2026.
- Venue: Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer.
- More than 20 companies, start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs and innovators participated.
- The IAF released an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap.
- Demonstrations included surveillance and reconnaissance.
- Autonomous and swarm technologies were included.
- Electronic warfare and Counter-UAS capabilities were included.
- Vayu UTtaM is an indigenously developed multi-mode UTM system.
QUICK REVISION
- Anchor: First IAF Dronathon was scheduled for 14-16 September 2026.
- Recall: Venue: Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer.
- UPSC linkage: Defence & Security / Science & Technology.
PROBABLE OBJECTIVE QUESTION
Consider the following about IAF Dronathon 2026:
- It was held at Pokhran.
- Vayu UTtaM is an unmanned traffic-management system.
- The event excluded private start-ups and MSMEs.