The Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to push for self-reliance in drone technology, with Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh stressing the need for a robust domestic ecosystem. During the Bharat Drone & Robotics Manthan 3.0 conference, he laid out a vision for enhancing India’s defence strategy through indigenous innovation.
As 2023 unfolds, modern warfare relies heavily on unmanned systems. Air Chief Marshal Singh underscored the urgency of keeping pace with the rapid evolution of technology in defence. He asserted that India’s defence manufacturing must not lag behind if the country aims to achieve true Atmanirbhar (self-reliance).
“Hesitation carries a high operational cost,” Singh warned. The air chief highlighted the newly created Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD), which serves as a direct link between the armed forces and innovative startups.
“The problem statement has to originate from us. The DAD is here to interact with the industry,” he stated. This initiative aims to streamline communication and requirements for drones and related technologies.
Aiming to revolutionise conventional evaluation processes, the IAF announced plans for a live demonstration event named Dronathon 2026, scheduled for September. This event will allow companies to showcase their products in real-time, shifting away from traditional presentations.
Singh pointed out the precarious nature of foreign supply chains, which can compromise national security. “Every brick should be developed in India. Then only can we claim to be fully Atmanirbhar,” he said emphatically, highlighting the importance of local development.
The air chief urged a collaborative effort involving academia, investors, and manufacturers to enhance the nation’s technological capabilities. “Technology delayed is technology denied,” he reminded stakeholders, reinforcing the idea that bureaucracy should not hinder progress.
As drones increasingly complement manned platforms, the IAF’s outreach to startups indicates a paradigm shift in defence contracting. This collaboration transforms operational challenges into opportunities for India’s aerospace entrepreneurs.
“If we keep doing what we are doing, we will get the same results we have been getting. If we want different outcomes, we need to adopt different methods,” Singh concluded, urging a more dynamic approach to defence innovation.
