IAF tests unmanned systems and releases an industry capability roadmap
The first IAF Dronathon has brought more than 20 organisations to Pokhran for demonstrations across autonomy, swarms and counter-drone systems.
The first Indian Air Force Dronathon is running at Pokhran from 14 to 16 September with more than 20 defence companies, startups, small businesses, public-sector units and other innovators.
Demonstrations cover surveillance, autonomy, swarms, electronic warfare and counter-drone systems. The IAF also released an unmanned-aircraft roadmap and demonstrated Vayu UTtaM, an indigenous traffic-management system that the service says detected and tracked military and civil drones in real time.
Why it matters
The event connects operational testing with industry signalling on future unmanned-aircraft, counter-drone and airspace-management needs.
SCULTRA point of view
A public roadmap can reduce uncertainty for suppliers, but the meaningful test is whether transparent requirements, repeatable trials and procurement pathways convert demonstrations into dependable field capability.
Limitations
The release supplies no benchmark results, test conditions, competing-system comparison, roadmap document link, procurement commitment or independent verification of the Vayu UTtaM demonstration.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Indian Air Force, 14 September 2026, 8:01 PM IST.