New Delhi, October 3, 2024
The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Drone Federation of India (DFI), organised an event titled “Drone Shivir” today. The event was organised at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. “Drone Shivir” brought together key stakeholders from the Indian defence sector, government bodies, academia, research institutions, and industry leaders to foster the development of an indigenous drone ecosystem focused on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for the Indian Armed Forces.
Centered on the theme “Building an Ecosystem for Indigenous Defence UAVs,” the event highlighted the importance of a self-reliant defence sector, particularly in UAV technology. Key objectives included developing a sustainable framework for the design, development, and manufacturing of indigenous UAVs to reduce dependency on foreign imports and enhance operational resilience.
The event featured opening remarks from Shri Smit Shah, President of DFI, followed by a keynote address from Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff. The VCOAS stressed the need for a robust drone ecosystem aligned with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision. This was followed by Technical presentations from industry leaders and research organisations showcased indigenous UAV components, with an exhibition for further engagement. Three panel discussions and two technical sessions were conducted and addressed the following:-
– Vulnerabilities in Critical Drone Components: Focused on supply chain concerns and strategies for enhancing indigenisation.
– Cybersecurity Challenges: Discussed measures to develop cyber-proof UAVs for operational security.
– Regulatory and Policy Gaps: Highlighted existing gaps in regulatory frameworks and brain-stormed solutions for effective certification.
Participants at “Drone Shivir” included representatives from various ministries, the Indian Armed Forces, DRDO, industry associations, and R&D organisations. Discussions pinpointed persistent challenges, including reliance on imported components, cybersecurity risks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and regulatory gaps.
The Drone Shivir laid a foundation for a self-reliant UAV ecosystem in India. By facilitating collaboration among key stakeholders, the Indian Army and DFI are advancing the development of secure, reliable, and fully indigenised UAV systems, bolstering national security and reducing reliance on foreign technologies.
