The relentless hum of tomorrow’s battlefield resonates within India’s innovative design labs and startup hubs. In this context, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), called for an urgent shift toward self-reliance in India’s drone ecosystem. Speaking at the opening of the Bharat Drone & Robotics Manthan 3.0 conference in New Delhi, he outlined a visionary strategy for collaboration between the IAF and domestic industry.

Air Chief Marshal Singh stressed that modern warfare is increasingly defined by cost-effective unmanned systems, and urged the Indian defence sector to evolve in tandem with rapid technological advancements. He noted that in this competitive environment, hesitation could lead to substantial operational setbacks.

The IAF Chief emphasized the necessity for users to define clear operational requirements. He highlighted the role of the newly established Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) in creating a direct line of communication with startups and innovators. “The problem statement has to originate from us. We have the Directorate of Aerospace Design to interact with the industry, startups, and anyone interested in understanding our requirements for drones, equipment, or sensors,” he asserted.

In a bid to streamline traditional and often sluggish evaluation processes, the IAF introduced Dronathon 2026, scheduled for September. This initiative invites companies to present live product demonstrations, moving away from conventional reliance on paper proposals or recorded submissions. The IAF’s proactive stance aims to foster innovation and expedite the procurement of essential technologies.

Addressing vulnerabilities associated with foreign supply chains, the Air Chief made a compelling appeal for domestic development. “Every brick should be developed in India. Only then can we claim to be truly Atmanirbhar,” he declared, reiterating the importance of full self-sufficiency in India’s defence manufacturing.

Singh warned against bureaucratic delays, noting, “Technology delayed is technology denied.” He called for a collective national effort, bridging gaps among academia, regulatory bodies, investors, and manufacturers to translate solutions developed in labs into operational capabilities on the battlefield.

While recognizing that drones are not intended to replace manned aircraft, Singh’s address signaled a transformative shift in the IAF’s engagement with the domestic aerospace sector. By framing operational challenges as collaborative opportunities, the IAF opens new doors for India’s vibrant aerospace entrepreneurs.

“If we continue with the same approach, we will yield the same results. To achieve different outcomes, we must embrace a new mindset,” Singh concluded, urging all stakeholders to embrace innovative strategies for India’s defence future.

The relentless hum of tomorrow’s battlefield resonates within India’s innovative design labs and startup hubs. In this context, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), called for an urgent shift toward self-reliance in India’s drone ecosystem. Speaking at the opening of the Bharat Drone & Robotics Manthan 3.0 conference in New Delhi, he outlined a visionary strategy for collaboration between the IAF and domestic industry.

Air Chief Marshal Singh stressed that modern warfare is increasingly defined by cost-effective unmanned systems, and urged the Indian defence sector to evolve in tandem with rapid technological advancements. He noted that in this competitive environment, hesitation could lead to substantial operational setbacks.

The IAF Chief emphasized the necessity for users to define clear operational requirements. He highlighted the role of the newly established Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) in creating a direct line of communication with startups and innovators. “The problem statement has to originate from us. We have the Directorate of Aerospace Design to interact with the industry, startups, and anyone interested in understanding our requirements for drones, equipment, or sensors,” he asserted.

In a bid to streamline traditional and often sluggish evaluation processes, the IAF introduced Dronathon 2026, scheduled for September. This initiative invites companies to present live product demonstrations, moving away from conventional reliance on paper proposals or recorded submissions. The IAF’s proactive stance aims to foster innovation and expedite the procurement of essential technologies.

Addressing vulnerabilities associated with foreign supply chains, the Air Chief made a compelling appeal for domestic development. “Every brick should be developed in India. Only then can we claim to be truly Atmanirbhar,” he declared, reiterating the importance of full self-sufficiency in India’s defence manufacturing.

Singh warned against bureaucratic delays, noting, “Technology delayed is technology denied.” He called for a collective national effort, bridging gaps among academia, regulatory bodies, investors, and manufacturers to translate solutions developed in labs into operational capabilities on the battlefield.

While recognizing that drones are not intended to replace manned aircraft, Singh’s address signaled a transformative shift in the IAF’s engagement with the domestic aerospace sector. By framing operational challenges as collaborative opportunities, the IAF opens new doors for India’s vibrant aerospace entrepreneurs.

“If we continue with the same approach, we will yield the same results. To achieve different outcomes, we must embrace a new mindset,” Singh concluded, urging all stakeholders to embrace innovative strategies for India’s defence future.