Indian Air Force Launches Dronathon-2026, Unveiling Unmanned Air Systems Roadmap and Indigenous UTM System
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Indian Air Force launched 'Dronathon-2026' at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer to evaluate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) under real operational conditions with over 20 defence companies, startups, MSMEs, and DPSUs.
- The IAF Vice Chief released the 'IAF Unmanned Air Systems Roadmap' to provide clear technological priorities and long-term directions for domestic defence industry, academia, and R&D organizations.
- The IAF successfully demonstrated 'Vayu Uttam', an indigenously developed multi-dimensional Unmanned Aerial Traffic Management (UTM) system capable of real-time monitoring and coordination of both military and civil drones.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
'Vayu Uttam' is an indigenously developed multi-dimensional Unmanned Aerial Traffic Management (UTM) system designed for real-time tracking of both military and civilian drones to manage airspace congestion and neutralize unauthorized drone threats.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze how initiatives like Dronathon-2026 and the deployment of indigenous Unmanned Aerial Traffic Management (UTM) systems enhance national security and strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to 'Dronathon-2026' organized by the Indian Air Force, consider the following statements: 1. It was launched at the Pokhran Field Firing Range to evaluate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) under real operational conditions. 2. 'Vayu Uttam', demonstrated during the event, is an indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Traffic Management (UTM) system capable of coordinating both military and civil drone operations. 3. The 'IAF Unmanned Air Systems Roadmap' was released during the event to provide long-term technological priorities for domestic defence industry and R&D organizations. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
All three statements are correct. The Indian Air Force launched 'Dronathon-2026' at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer to evaluate Unmanned Aerial Systems under real operational conditions. During the event, the IAF demonstrated 'Vayu Uttam', an indigenously developed multi-dimensional UTM system for real-time monitoring and coordination of military and civil drones, and released the 'IAF Unmanned Air Systems Roadmap' to align domestic defence R&D and industry with future requirements.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.