By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 29 Apr: The Surya Drona Tech 2025, being conducted on 29–30 April, was inaugurated today by Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) at the Jaswant Ground, Dehradun Cantonment, in the presence of Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C, Central Command, and many military and civil dignitaries, thereby marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology.
Organised by the Central Command of the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the two-day expo will highlight cutting-edge indigenous drone technologies tailored for multi-faceted defence applications, aligning with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
The event commenced with a welcome address by the President of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), RS Bhatia, setting the tone for a day of collaboration, innovation, and thoughtful leadership.
Milind Raj delivered a compelling talk on India’s national forays into drone technology, while additional sessions explored the evolving nature of warfare and the transformative impact of drones in both defence and civilian domains.
This was followed by a special address from the GOC-in-C, Central Command, who emphasised the strategic importance of unmanned systems in modern defence operations and said that India is on the cusp of a technological revolution in defence. “The integration of drone capabilities is no longer optional—it is imperative. Surya Drone Tech 2025 stands as a testament to our cooperation for collective progress, harnessing technology and preparedness for the future,” said the GOC-in-C in his address.
The keynote address was delivered by the Governor, who highlighted the role of emerging technologies in bolstering India’s defence and industrial capabilities. He emphasised on Innovation as a national priority. “Drone technology has the potential to transform not only our defence but also sectors like agriculture, disaster management and infrastructure,” he affirmed. “I am proud that Uttarakhand is hosting such a futuristic and technological event benefitting both the state and the nation.” He appreciated this highly advanced technological and futuristic collaboration of Surya Drona Tech between the Indian Army’s Central Command and SIDM and called it a step towards taking India and Indian Army into the future.
A key highlight of the event was the release of the “Official Equipment Catalogue”, showcasing the latest in drone innovation and capability. The event also witnessed the exchange of mementos among dignitaries, symbolising the spirit of cooperation and technological advancement.
Live demonstrations emphasised operational capabilities, with a focus on night-flying and thermal imaging, critical for modern battlefield scenarios. It included selected drone equipment displays, a captivating night flying demo and a detailed tour of the exhibition stalls by the chief guest, offering a first-hand look at the advanced systems on display.
The key objectives for conduct of Surya Drona Tech 2025 includes 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 event was also attended by Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, COS, Central Command, Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, Commandant, IMA, Lieutenant General DG Misra, GOC, Uttar Bharat Area, Major General Naveen Mahajan, GOC, 14 Infantry Division, and Major General R Prem Raj, GOC, Uttarakhand Sub Area. Surya Drone Tech 2025 will not only demonstrate India’s growing self-reliance in drone technology but will also foster dialogue and collaboration among the nation’s top defence and tech leaders.
