The Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, recently urged the nation to cultivate a fully indigenous drone ecosystem to achieve true self-reliance in defence technologies. Speaking at the Bharat Drone & Robotics Manthan 3.0 conference, he outlined a roadmap for increased collaboration with domestic industries and innovators.
Modern warfare increasingly relies on unmanned systems, requiring defense sectors to adapt quickly to emerging technologies. The Air Chief highlighted the necessity for India’s defence industry to keep pace in this competitive landscape, as indecision can lead to significant operational losses.
Air Chief Marshal Singh pointed out that the onus of defining operational requirements rests with the users. He introduced the newly formed Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) as a key initiative to foster direct engagement with startups and innovators. “The problem statement has to originate from us. We have the Directorate of Aerospace Design… to interact with the industry, startups, and anyone who wants to understand our requirements,” he stated.
To streamline evaluations, the IAF launched Dronathon 2026 scheduled for September. This initiative invites companies to showcase live product demonstrations, replacing traditional, often slower, paper presentations. This approach aims to expedite technology acquisition significantly.
Addressing the risks of dependency on foreign supply chains, the Air Chief emphasized the critical need for local development: “Every brick should be developed in India. Then only can we claim we are fully Atmanirbhar,” he proclaimed.
He cautioned that hurdles caused by bureaucratic delays hinder technological advancement. “Technology delayed is technology denied,” he said, pushing for a collaborative national effort that encompasses academia, regulators, investors, and manufacturers. Such coordination is essential to transition innovations from laboratories to active deployment in the field.
Moreover, while recognizing the importance of drones, Air Chief Marshal Singh clarified that these technologies are designed to complement, not replace, manned platforms. His proactive approach opens avenues for India’s dynamic aerospace sector, transforming operational challenges into collaborative opportunities.
“If we keep doing what we have been doing, we will get the same results. If we want different outcomes, let’s embark on a different course,” he urged, highlighting the importance of innovation and strategic adaptation in the face of evolving warfare landscapes.
