By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 30 Apr: The Surya Drona Tech 2025, held on 29–30 April at Jaswant Ground, Dehradun Cantonment, concluded with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. Organised by the 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 the “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 specialised 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.
The second day of the event commenced with an address by Major General PK Saini, Principal Advisor to the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), who emphasised the importance of strengthening India’s indigenous drone ecosystem and the collaborative role of states like Uttarakhand in national defence manufacturing initiatives. The opening address was delivered by Major General Navin Mahajan, GOC, 14 Infantry Division.
A key highlight of the day was a series of seminars on critical themes shaping the future of drone technology in India. Topics included “Best Practices of the UP Defence Corridor,” by DSR Raju, MD, SIDAK, UPDIC, “Enhancing Operational Capability through Autonomous Unmanned Systems by Major General PK Saini”, “Drone Requirements of the Indian Army by Colonel Manoj Singh Silot, Director, ADB,” and “Potential of the Drone Ecosystem in Uttarakhand by YS Pundhir, GM-Planning, SIIDCUL” with participation from experts, industry leaders, and defence officials who shared insights into policy frameworks, industry growth opportunities, and operational requirements.
In his virtual address, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand commended the Indian Army’s Central Command and SIDM for organising such a technological and futuristic event and underscored the state’s vision to become a hub for drone innovation and manufacturing. “Uttarakhand is committed to fostering an environment that supports cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship. We aim to build a thriving drone ecosystem that contributes to both national security and economic growth,” said the Chief Minister.
The second day of the Surya Drona Tech Expo 2025 witnessed another landmark occasion as the Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, attended as the Chief Guest. The Chief Minister was received by Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, COS, Central Command, setting the tone for the day’s activities.
The Chief Minister felicitated participants for their valuable contributions and further ceremonial exchange of mementoes was conducted, further strengthening ties between the government, defence forces, and industry stakeholders.
Following the formal proceedings, the Chief Minister visited the exhibition stalls, interacting with innovators and entrepreneurs showcasing their latest drone technologies. The event concluded with a live equipment display and flying demonstration, offering a dynamic view of India’s growing capabilities in unmanned systems.
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 Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd), and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami 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 attended by school children, NCC Cadets, Government agencies, Police and Paramilitary Forces.
