The Indian Air Force has announced DRONATHON 2026, an initiative focused on indigenous unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS technologies. Its significance lies in how rapidly warfare is shifting toward low-cost, networked and expendable systems that can be produced and adapted quickly.
Recent conflicts have shown drones performing surveillance, strike, logistics and electronic-warfare roles while forcing militaries to invest in layered detection and interception. For India, the challenge is to build both domestic UAS capability and credible counter-drone defences without excessive dependence on imported components and software.