LEH, SEPT 17: The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), has launched the HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2, an initiative aimed at enhancing military operations in high-altitude regions through the use of indigenous drone technology. The event is being held from 17-18 September 2024 at the Wari La Pass in Ladakh, situated at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet.
This initiative focuses on leveraging advanced drone solutions to improve surveillance, logistics, communication, and tactical precision, thereby strengthening India’s military capabilities in some of the world’s most challenging terrains. HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 is a significant step in supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision by promoting the development of indigenous defence technologies.
The event saw participation from over 20 drone manufacturers, showcasing a wide range of drone applications, including loitering munitions, FPV (first-person view) drones, and swarm operations. These technologies were tested in the extreme conditions of Ladakh to validate their performance and explore their potential for both military and civilian applications.
Special recognition was awarded to manufacturers excelling in the logistics and FPV categories, while several products were shortlisted by the Indian Army for potential procurement. The event also provided valuable feedback to some manufacturers, suggesting improvements for future drone designs.
The Indian Army has designated 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’, with HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 marking a key milestone in the Army’s effort to adopt and integrate new technologies. The event underscores India’s commitment to defence self-reliance (Raksha Atmanirbharta) and positions the country as a growing player in the global drone industry.
