The Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, has made a fervent call for developing a self-reliant drone ecosystem in the country. Speaking at the Bharat Drone & Robotics Manthan 3.0 conference, he emphasized the importance of incorporating homegrown technology into military operations.
The focus on self-reliance, or Atmanirbhar Bharat, is critical as modern warfare increasingly relies on cost-effective unmanned systems. Air Chief Marshal Singh stated that the defence sector must keep pace with emerging technologies, warning that delays in technology adoption result in operational setbacks.
“The responsibility for defining specific operational requirements rests with us,” Singh said during his address. He mentioned the recently established Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD), which serves as a crucial link between the IAF and innovative startups, ensuring that the military’s needs shape product development.
“The problem statement has to originate from us. We have the Directorate of Aerospace Design to interact with industry and startups, detailing what drones, equipment, or sensors we require,” he explained, highlighting a vital shift towards domestic innovation.
In an exciting development, the IAF will host Dronathon 2026 in September, inviting companies to showcase live product demonstrations. This initiative aims to expedite the evaluation process, moving away from traditional methods of assessing proposals based solely on paper presentations.
During his address, Singh expressed concern over vulnerabilities associated with foreign supply chains, stating, “Every brick should be developed in India. Then only we can say we are fully Atmanirbhar.” This statement underscores the strategic shift towards domestic manufacturing and innovation crucial for national security.
Air Chief Marshal Singh cautioned against the red tape often associated with bureaucratic processes. He remarked, “Technology delayed is technology denied,” advocating for a collaborative framework that unites academia, regulatory bodies, investors, and manufacturers to transition solutions from development labs to active deployment within the IAF.
“If we keep doing what we are doing, we will get the same results. If we want different results, let us do something different,” the IAF Chief urged, signaling a transformative approach that encourages innovation across the aerospace sector.
While reinforcing that drones will complement traditional manned aircraft, his remarks resonate with the growing emphasis on developing a robust industrial base in India. The proactive stance of the IAF paves the way for a cooperative relationship fostering opportunities for aerospace entrepreneurs and a thriving defence ecosystem.
