The future of India’s defence landscape rests upon homegrown innovations. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh recently emphasized this vision at the Bharat Drone & Robotics Manthan 3.0 conference in New Delhi. He outlined a roadmap urging India’s defence sector to innovate and collaborate closely with domestic industries and startups to develop a self-reliant drone ecosystem.
“Every brick should be developed in India,” Singh declared, stressing the urgency of establishing a robust domestic production network. In an age where cost-effective unmanned systems dictate modern warfare, he acknowledged that India’s defence forces must stay ahead of rapidly evolving technologies.
During his address, the Air Chief highlighted the responsibility of ensuring precise operational requirements lies with the users. He noted the formation of the Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) as a crucial link between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the innovative landscape of India’s startup ecosystem. This initiative aims to foster direct engagement between the military and innovators.
“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 the requirement is, what kind of drones, equipment or sensors we are looking for,” Singh explained, showcasing a refreshing approach to modernizing defence procurement.
To combat traditional slow-moving evaluation procedures, the IAF plans to initiate Dronathon 2026 this September. This event invites companies to present live product demonstrations instead of relying solely on paper presentations or recorded videos, showcasing a commitment to innovation and agility.
In a strong push for self-reliance, Singh emphasized the vulnerabilities associated with foreign supply chains, stating, “Every brick should be developed in India. Then only we can say we are fully Atmanirbhar.” His comments resonate with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Furthermore, Singh underscored the importance of unity in reaching this goal, urging academia, regulatory bodies, investors, and manufacturers to collaborate closely. “Technology delayed is technology denied,” he cautioned, highlighting the pressing need for swift action in developing homegrown technologies.
While stressing that drones serve as supportive tools and not replacements for manned platforms, the Air Chief’s proactive outreach signals a significant transformation. This engagement offers operational challenges as collaborative opportunities for India’s aerospace entrepreneurs, marking a pivotal moment in India’s defence strategy.
“If we keep doing what we are doing, we will get the same results that we have been getting. If we want different results… let us do something different,” Singh reiterated, reinforcing the need for innovative approaches in the face of evolving defence demands.
