# IAF to test domestic drone and anti-drone capabilities at Pokhran range in September 2026

> The Indian Air Force is organizing Dronathon 2026 at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer to evaluate indigenous unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies.

**Type:** article · **Category:** India · **Published:** 2026-09-08 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/national/iaf-to-test-domestic-drone-and-anti-drone-capabilities-at-pokhran-range-in-september-2026-29548 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Indian Air Force, Dronathon 2026, Pokhran Range, Counter Drone Technology, Indigenous Defense

The Indian Air Force is preparing to host Dronathon 2026 to evaluate newly developed domestic drone and counter-drone technologies. The initiative aims to provide domestic companies, startups, and technology experts with an opportunity to showcase their Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems.

## Live demonstrations at the Pokhran range
The event is scheduled to take place from September 14 to September 16, 2026, at the Pokhran range located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The venue will host static displays alongside live operational demonstrations of drones and their defensive countermeasures.

## Evaluating combat effectiveness in operational scenarios
The evaluation goes beyond mere technical exhibition, as the Indian Air Force intends to test the operational capabilities and battlefield utility of these systems. Observers will assess how effectively the new technologies perform under varied operational conditions, assisting the air force in identifying superior systems suited for future requirements.

## Focus on surveillance and swarm technology
The exercise places significant emphasis on multiple critical domains of modern unmanned technology. Key focus areas include surveillance and reconnaissance for gathering intelligence on adversary movements, autonomous operations functioning without continuous human intervention, swarm technology deploying coordinated fleets of drones simultaneously, electronic warfare systems designed to disrupt enemy capabilities, and counter-drone technology capable of identifying, tracking, and neutralizing hostile aerial vehicles. The rapid proliferation of these systems has fundamentally transformed modern military strategy.

## Bolstering indigenous defense manufacturing
The upcoming event is regarded as a major milestone under the push for self-reliance in defense. It offers domestic defense enterprises, startups, and innovators direct insight into air force requirements and operational challenges. The primary objective of the air force is to foster homegrown technologies that reduce strategic reliance on foreign equipment for aerial and counter-aerial operations.

## A collaborative platform for industry and startups
Industry experts, startups, and technological innovators will participate to present their developments directly to military leadership. In view of the rapidly evolving security environment, such initiatives strengthen coordination between the armed forces and the national defense industrial base. Unmanned systems have evolved far beyond basic surveillance to encompass targeted strikes and coordinated operational maneuvers, making robust counter-drone capabilities indispensable for contemporary military preparedness.

## What this means for you
The upcoming military exercise will create new avenues for domestic defense manufacturing and technological innovation across the country.

- **Across India:** Defense startups and domestic manufacturers nationwide will gain a direct platform to demonstrate their tactical systems to the Indian Air Force, accelerating indigenous production.
- **In Jaisalmer:** Local administrative and logistical arrangements will experience heightened activity surrounding the high-profile trials at the Pokhran range.

## Why this happened
The evolving nature of modern warfare and the widespread tactical deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles have necessitated a fundamental shift in military preparedness.

- **Changing battlefield dynamics:** Recent global conflicts have demonstrated the critical impact of drones, making advanced surveillance and protective countermeasures essential for armed forces.
- **Reducing foreign dependence:** Strategic initiatives are focused on fostering domestic manufacturing capabilities to minimize reliance on imported defense technologies.
- **Empowering startups:** The military is actively engaging with domestic innovators and young technology firms to integrate homegrown solutions into active service.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Who is organizing Dronathon 2026?
The Indian Air Force is organizing the event.

### 2. Where will the event take place?
The event will be held at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

### 3. What are the scheduled dates for the event?
The event is scheduled from September 14 to September 16, 2026.

### 4. What is the primary objective of the exercise?
The main objective is to evaluate the operational capabilities and battlefield utility of newly developed domestic drone and counter-drone technologies.

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