IAF Chief Advocates for Self-Reliant Drone Ecosystem in India
IAF Chief Amar Preet Singh calls for a self-reliant drone ecosystem in India, urging collaboration with domestic startups at the Bharat Drone & Robotics Manthan conference.
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The relentless hum of tomorrow’s battlefield is already being written in India’s design labs and startup hubs. According to Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the nation’s top air commander, the path to true self-reliance hinges on a necessary shift in strategy.
During the inaugural session of the Bharat Drone & Robotics Manthan 3.0 conference, held recently, the IAF Chief outlined an ambitious roadmap for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to form robust partnerships with local industries and innovators.
As modern warfare evolves, increasingly driven by efficient unmanned systems, he stressed the urgency for the Indian defence sector to swiftly adapt and stay ahead of the rapid technological advancements that shape combat scenarios.
Air Chief Marshal Singh asserted that defining specific operational requirements is the responsibility of the user. He highlighted the newly established Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) as a key entity aimed at fostering direct engagement with startups and innovators. In his words, “The problem statement has to originate from us. We have the Directorate of Aerospace Design to interact with the industry, startups, and anybody who wants to know what requirements we seek in drones, equipment, or sensors.”
In a strategic effort to expedite evaluation processes, the IAF introduced the Dronathon 2026, set for September. This initiative invites companies to present live demonstrations of their capabilities, moving away from traditional, slower methods that rely on paper presentations or recorded videos.
Citing vulnerabilities arising from dependency on foreign supply chains, the Air Chief made a compelling case for complete domestic development. “Every brick should be developed in India. Then only can we say we are fully Atmanirbhar,” he emphasized, encapsulating his vision for a self-reliant aerospace sector.
He cautioned against the pitfalls of bureaucratic delays, asserting that “technology delayed is technology denied.” The IAF Chief urged a comprehensive approach that unifies academia, regulators, investors, and manufacturers to transition innovations from concept to operational use effectively.
The IAF recognizes drones as critical complements to manned platforms, underscoring that this proactive outreach represents a pivotal moment in leveraging operational challenges as collaborative opportunities for India’s flourishing aerospace ecosystem. “Technology delayed is technology denied. If we keep doing what we are doing, we will get the same results. If we want different outcomes, we must take a different approach,” said the IAF Chief, calling for a paradigm shift in how the nation engages with emerging technologies.
