National Defence Bureau,
New Delhi, 30 Apr 2025
The Surya Drona Tech 2025, held on April 29–30, 2025, at Jaswant Ground, Dehradun Cantonment, concluded with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. Organized by Central Command, Indian Army, in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the two-day expo highlighted indigenous drone technologies tailored for high-altitude defence applications, aligning with “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
The event showcased an impressive array of advanced drone systems, including ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) drones, loitering munitions, kamikaze drones, swarm drones, logistics drones, FPV (First-Person View) drones, and specialized systems for electronic warfare, synthetic aperture radar, and communication/electronic intelligence (COMINT/ELINT). Anti-drone systems and unmanned automated systems for aerial, ground, and underground operations were also demonstrated. Live demonstrations emphasized operational capabilities, with a focus on night-flying and thermal imaging, critical for modern battlefield scenarios.
Surya Drona Tech 2025 achieved key objectives, including thorough evaluations of drone systems, identification of high-performing systems for potential defence integration, and actionable feedback for manufacturers to refine their offerings. Insights from the event will guide future R&D and shape Quality Requirements (QRs) for defence procurement, reinforcing the readiness of Indian drones for 24/7 deployment.
The expo fostered collaboration among drone manufacturers, defence personnel, paramilitary forces and government representatives, driving the adoption of indigenized unmanned solutions. The presence of Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C, Central Command, underscored the event’s significance.
Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C, Central Command, Indian Army, lauded the event, stating, “This expo has provided invaluable insights into the capabilities of indigenous drone systems, paving the way for their integration into our operational framework.” A senior SIDM representative added, “Surya Drona Tech 2025 has been a game-changer, bridging the gap between India’s vibrant drone industry and the defence sector, showcasing our growing prowess in unmanned systems.”
The event was hugely subscribed by school children, NCC Cadets, Government agencies, Police and Para military Forces.
The success of Surya Drona Tech 2025 reaffirms India’s commitment to building a robust, self-reliant defence ecosystem. By showcasing cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration, the event sets a new benchmark for unmanned systems development, paving the way for a secure, tech-empowered future.
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