Indian Air Force Hosts Three-Day Dronathon 2026 at Pokhran from September 14 to Showcase Drone and Counter-Drone Technologies

Key facts

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is hosting 'Dronathon 2026', a three-day drone and counter-drone technology event, at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from September 14 to 16, 2026.
• Dronathon 2026 features static displays and live demonstrations of unmanned and counter-drone technologies, including surveillance and reconnaissance drones, autonomous systems, swarm operations, electronic warfare, and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS).
• The event brings together drone makers, start-ups, industry experts and defence innovators, allowing the IAF to assess combat effectiveness of emerging systems and enabling manufacturers and military stakeholders to exchange feedback.
• Dronathon 2026 supports India's push for indigenous defence manufacturing under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' by reducing dependence on foreign systems.