IAF UNMANNED SYSTEMS
Indian Air Force to get separate drone force? IAF chief AP Singh reveals what the force plans
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has ruled out creating a separate drone force, saying unmanned systems and loitering munitions should remain integrated with the Indian Air Force’s existing weapons and platforms. He described drones as an “evolutionary” capability for the force and said their numbers, types and operational use are being expanded.
India-Kazakhstan military exercise to boost capabilities to undertake joint counter-terror operations
From September 28 to October 11, India and Kazakhstan will conduct a collaborative military exercise aimed at enhancing joint capabilities and interoperability in counter-terrorism operations authorized by the United Nations. Indian troops, particularly from the Garhwal Rifles, will train alongside Kazakhstan's forces, focusing on joint strategies, air mobility, and unmanned aerial systems.
US Department of War holds Energy Innovation Expo; showcases latest power generation and transmission technologies
The US Department of War (DOW) held the Energy Innovation Expo which showcased the latest power generation and transmission projects to support the rising needs of United States’ defence technologies. Assistant Secretary of Defence for Energy, Installations and Environment spoke about the DOW's key energy focus areas: the Golden Dome, Nuclear Energy, space and energy superiority and the solutions to answer the challenges posed in these fields.
Rajnath Singh flags defence project delays, urges HAL to create 'technologies that do not exist'
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged Hindustan Aeronautics Limited scientists to create future technologies. He stressed realistic timelines for critical defence projects to avoid delays. Singh called for enhanced public-private synergy to build indigenous aerospace capabilities. India must prepare for sector transformation through advanced technologies and indigenous development. The goal is to make India a global leader in aerospace technology.
"Will resolve issue and start delivering": HAL CMD Ravi Kumar on Tejas LCA Mk1A
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is working to resolve Tejas Mk1A software integration challenges. The company will deliver seventy Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 aircraft over four to five years. Prototypes for the CATS Warrior autonomous drone are now under fabrication. Four Dhruv Next Generation helicopters are being handed over to Pawan Hans Limited. Two Light Combat Aircraft Tejas trainer jets are also being delivered to the Indian Air Force.
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Tejas Mk1A delivery delayed despite 27 airframes ready, HAL CMD explains why
HAL CMD Ravi K said the company has prepared 27 Tejas Mk1A airframes, but delivery of the first batch to the IAF awaits testing of systems including AESA radar and missile integration. He said HAL hopes to complete deliveries this year. Ravi K also discussed Tejas Mk2, SJ-100 production, Combat Air Teaming System, AMCA, MRO expansion and trainer aircraft deliveries.
Dronathon 2026: IAF demonstrates multi-mode system designed to facilitate drones' management in airspace
The Indian Air Force recently showcased the Vayu UTtaM drone management system at Pokhran. This innovative system provides crucial support in managing drones and detecting rogue aircraft within congested airspace. At Dronathon 2026, various domestic unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies were highlighted, alongside the unveiling of the IAF UAS Roadmap aimed at guiding the industry towards achieving self-reliance in unmanned systems.
IAF's mega drone event kicks off at Pokharan range in Rajasthan
The Dronathon 2026, hosted by the Indian Air Force, kicked off in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This innovative three-day event showcases state-of-the-art unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies, where local manufacturers present their cutting-edge advancements. The initiative aims to bolster the Air Force's capabilities in the unmanned arena and foster collaboration with industry players for homegrown solutions.
Indian Air Force to host 'Dronathon-2026' at Pokhran Range to boost indigenous drone and counter-drone capabilities
The Indian Air Force will host Dronathon-2026 at Pokhran range in Jaisalmer. This event will showcase domestic manufacturers' advancements in drone and counter-drone technologies. Stakeholders will witness emerging technologies and operational demonstrations for mutual learning. The focus includes enhancing intelligence gathering and evaluating combat effectiveness of systems.
Who is Bhawana Kanth? How a former TCS techie became India's first woman 'Top Gun' combat pilot
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth earned the "Top Gun" title after completing a rigorous combat pilot course. Captain Shivani Sehrawat became the first woman officer appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Army chief. Kanth is among the first women fighter pilots commissioned into the Indian Air Force. She previously qualified for daytime combat missions on the MiG-21 Bison aircraft. These achievements mark significant progress for women in India's armed forces.
IAF launches project to produce indigenous long-range kamikaze drones
The Indian Air Force is developing long-range kamikaze drones with Indian companies. This initiative aims to strengthen preparedness for future drone warfare. The project focuses on indigenous design, development, and manufacturing. The drones will operate at high altitudes and in all conditions. This move promotes self-reliance in defence production. The IAF is also procuring medium-altitude long-endurance drones.
India shortlists three private firms to build next-gen stealth fighter jets
Tenders are soon going to private companies for India's next-generation fighter jet program. Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro, and Bharat Forge are shortlisted. They will develop five prototypes. A new facility in Andhra Pradesh will support this. The goal is to have prototypes flying by 2032. The Indian Air Force plans to order 120 jets later.
Drones, UAS no longer just eyes in sky, but like 'claws in the sky': Air Chief Marshal A P Singh
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh stated that drones are now "claws in the sky," extending air power and emphasizing the need for complete domain awareness and coordination among services. He highlighted the evolving nature of aerial threats and the necessity for rapid innovation and adaptation in counter-UAS technology, stressing the importance of manned-unmanned teaming for future warfare.
IAF's Garud Special Forces to get compact UAV system with enhanced range, endurance
The Indian Air Force is revolutionising its operational strategy with the introduction of a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle system for its prestigious Garud Special Forces. Designed to perform efficiently in the harshest climates, this man-portable UAV brings advanced surveillance capabilities to the forefront.
Indian Army eyes tech-driven future at key biannual Army Commanders’ Conference 2026
Indian Army commanders met to review border security and enhance combat strength. They focused on future readiness, designating 2026 as the year for networking and data centricity. The conference also explored drone technology and indigenous defense production. Lessons from Operation Sindoor guided discussions on operational capabilities. Senior government officials attended the deliberations.
IAF to deploy long-range drones via transport aircraft, helicopters for strike, surveillance roles
The Indian Air Force is enhancing its combat power. It is acquiring air-launched drones and loitering munitions. These systems will be deployed from helicopters and transport aircraft. This move will expand offensive roles and ease pressure on fighter jets. The IAF is aligning with global trends in drone swarm warfare.
Indian Air Force validates readiness, all targets neutralised ahead of Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has completed the Full Dress Rehearsal for the upcoming Vayushakti 26 exercise at Pokhran, effectively validating all operational parameters, officials said on Thursday.
Tejas, Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, Jaguar to take part in IAF’s Exercise Vayushakti-26, see photo
The Indian Air Force will conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 on February 27, 2026, at Pokhran to showcase its operational prowess, including long-range strikes and multi-domain capabilities. The drill will highlight rapid response, national security contributions, and humanitarian support, featuring a large deployment of aircraft and advanced weaponry to demonstrate the IAF's strength and deterrence.
"Whatever loss they suffered, it was their own responsibility": Air Marshal Bharti detail response to Pakistan aggression
Air Marshal AK Bharti detailed Operation Sindoor's success, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam attack. Indian forces minimized damage, focusing solely on terrorist networks, but responded when the Pakistani military intervened. India's robust air defense system, bolstered by government funding, effectively countered Pakistani drones and UAVs, intercepting a Chinese-origin missile and other aerial threats.
Indian Air Force eyes surveillance UAVs to fly in stratosphere
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to acquire three high-altitude platform system (HAPS) aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, especially amid tensions with Pakistan and China. These unmanned aerial vehicles, operating in the stratosphere, offer a cost-effective alternative to satellites, providing persistent ISR capabilities and acting as airborne data relays.
Amid Iran drone strike in Israel, IAF increases security at air bases: Here is how five-layered system will protect 30 high security spots
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated a plan to upgrade ground perimeter security at 30 of its air bases across the country, following the installation of a similar integrated perimeter security system (IPSS) at 23 air bases. The new security measures include a multi-layered, hi-tech surveillance and intrusion detection system, with features such as smart power fences, CCTV cameras, radars, and underground vibration detection systems. The move aims to bolster security in the wake of persistent threats of terror attacks on military establishments.
Army deploys advanced anti-drone defense systems along China border
The Indian Army has deployed seven new indigenous integrated drone detection and interdiction systems (IDD&IS) along the northern borders with China. These systems, developed by DRDO and Bharat Electronics, provide both “soft kills” through jamming and “hard kills” using lasers, with a detection range of 5 to 8 km. Meanwhile, DRDO is working on more powerful directed energy weapon (DEW) systems like high-energy lasers and high-powered microwaves, aiming to enhance India's defense capabilities against drones and swarm drones.
IAF displays firepower in Exercise Vayu Shakti with Rafale, LCH Prachand among 120 aircraft
The Pokhran range close to the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer on Saturday witnessed the Indian Air Force's full spectrum display of combat and fire capabilities as part of its Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024. Over 120 aircraft of the IAF, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas, C-17 and C-130J, took part in the exercise, keeping with the tagline 'lightning strike from the sky'.
DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH missile off Odisha coast
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieves success with the New Generation AKASH missile, intercepting and destroying a high-speed unmanned aerial target at low altitude. The comprehensive test validates the complete weapon system's functionality, including an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker and radar. The AKASH-NG system's capability to intercept agile aerial threats is confirmed, prompting Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to commend the achievement. The Akash missile, in service for over a decade, garners international interest, with potential orders from Southeast Asia and the Middle East following successful trials.
Exercise Astrashakti: Indian Akash air defence missile system destroys 4 targets simultaneously
India has demonstrated the firepower of its Akash surface-to-air (SAM) weapon system during the Air Force Exercise Astrashakti 2023. A single firing unit engaged and destroyed four unmanned targets simultaneously, marking the first time India has demonstrated this capability using command guidance. The Akash weapon system, developed by DRDO, has been deployed by the Indian Air Force and Army for the last decade.
Jammu hit spurs IAF to quickly acquire ten anti-drone systems
A day after the Jammu attack, which exposed operational gaps in tackling small commercially-available drones rigged with explosives, the IAF issued a RFI (request for information) to seek responses from Indian companies for the counter-drone systems called CUAS.
First glimpse of 'Vyommitra', the humanoid for Gaganyaan; it's a 'She'
Before Isro sends humans on the Gaganyaan, a female humanoid — a robot —named 'Vyommitra' will be sent as part of the first human spaceflight programme scheduled for later this year. The purpose of sending a humanoid before sending humans is not just to display Isro's capabilities but to also extensively utilise the first unmanned flight opportunities extensively.
IAF to upgrade UAV fleet under Rs 5,000 crore project
IAF is planning to upgrade the UAVs of the three services under a project worth over Rs 5k crore to enhance their snooping capabilities.
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