IAF Maps Roadmap for Self-Reliance in Unmanned Systems, Engages Industry Partners
Air Force engages around 100 industry representatives to advance homegrown capabilities in autonomous software, propulsion, navigation and drone technologies.
NEW DELHI, Oct 21: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has outlined its operational requirements and technological priorities for unmanned and autonomous systems, stressing that developing indigenous capabilities in the sector is essential for operational preparedness and national security.
The roadmap was presented to industry representatives during an outreach programme held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday. The event provided a platform for the IAF to communicate its future requirements and strengthen collaboration with India’s domestic defence industry.
According to the Defence Ministry, the IAF distributed its roadmap booklet to participants to help them understand the force’s evolving needs in unmanned technologies.
The document envisages a layered and networked family of unmanned systems, reflecting the rapid transformation of air power and the growing role of autonomous platforms in modern military operations.
The initiative builds on the IAF Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Roadmap, released during Dronathon 2026 at Pokhran on September 14. The latest engagement was aimed at translating the broad vision into practical technological development and operational capabilities.
During the programme, the IAF underscored that Aatmanirbharta in unmanned systems is an operational necessity rather than simply a long-term ambition.
The Defence Ministry said the focus is on creating reliable, resilient and operationally relevant indigenous technologies that can complement both existing and future manned aircraft and other military platforms.
Officials identified indigenous propulsion systems, autonomous software, resilient navigation technologies and standardised interfaces as key areas requiring concentrated research and development. Strengthening these capabilities would help reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while improving the resilience of India’s defence supply chain.
The IAF also aims to deepen engagement with domestic manufacturers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups and academic institutions to accelerate innovation and encourage collaborative development.
By bringing together stakeholders from across the unmanned technology sector, the force seeks to ensure that emerging technologies can be converted into dependable systems suitable for operational deployment.
The Defence Ministry said sustained cooperation with industry would help establish a stronger domestic ecosystem capable of supporting India’s broader defence self-reliance objectives.
The programme was chaired by Air Marshal Premkumar K, Director General (Weapon Systems) at Air Headquarters.
Around 100 representatives from drone manufacturers and associated industry organisations attended the event, highlighting the growing partnership between the IAF and India’s unmanned systems sector.
The outreach initiative is expected to improve coordination between military planners and technology developers, enabling domestic companies to align their research, product development and manufacturing efforts with the Air Force’s future operational requirements.
