A defence workshop in Delhi will focus on strategies to replace imports with indigenous drone and counter-drone technologies.
India’s Ministry of Defence has organised a Workshop and Exhibition on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Indigenisation, scheduled for 16 July 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre. The event is being held by the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
The workshop will bring together senior defence officials, military commanders, policymakers, scientific institutions, and representatives from Indian industry. Its primary objective is to explore ways to reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers by enabling domestic production of critical subsystems for (UAVs) and counter-UAV (C-UAS) technologies.
The discussion follows recent developments, including Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces used UAVs along the India–Pakistan border to carry out surveillance and precision targeting. These applications highlighted the strategic and operational value of unmanned platforms while minimising human risk.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, will serve as the chief guest. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit of the IDS is expected to deliver the closing address, summarising workshop discussions and outlining policy directions.
The event will include technology demonstrations, expert talks, and collaborative sessions. A policy paper is expected as a key outcome, aimed at supporting India’s efforts toward defence self-reliance.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader push under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, which seeks to enhance national capability in critical defence technologies and reduce external dependence in military procurement.
