In a major step toward advancing self-reliance in critical defence technologies, the Ministry of Defence will host a high-level workshop and exhibition on Indigenisation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) on July 16, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
The event, jointly organised by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) by accelerating the domestic development and production of key components used in UAV and C-UAS systems.
The workshop gains added relevance in the wake of Operation Sindoor, the recent India-Pakistan military confrontation, during which indigenous UAVs and C-UAS technologies played a pivotal role in surveillance, precision targeting, and reducing risks to personnel. These systems demonstrated their reliability and operational effectiveness in active conflict scenarios, reinforcing the importance of homegrown technological capabilities.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan will be the Chief Guest at the event, underscoring its strategic significance. The workshop will conclude with a valedictory address by Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who will present the key takeaways and unveil a strategic policy roadmap for the indigenisation of UAV and C-UAS platforms and their critical subcomponents.
The workshop will convene top defence experts, policymakers, scientists, military leadership, and private sector representatives. It will feature live demonstrations, technical presentations, and expert panels focused on innovation, capability development, and addressing challenges in the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.