Indian Army is hosting 'Surya Dronathon 2025' - a high-altitude drone competition in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh - next month. To be convened by the Army's Surya Command, the drone competition invites freelancers, startups, and OEMs to design indigenous solutions for defence applications.
The competition will take place in two phases, from August 10 to 24, while registrations are only open till August 5.
The initiative aligns with the central command's aim to increase security at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, for which the Drone Federation is partnering with the Indian Army.
No use of Chinese tech in Dronathon -
Participants must make sure their drones are built without Chinese parts. The machines will have to demonstrate abilities over 10,700 feet of natural obstacles.
Drone racing, obstacle navigation, and demanding field tests in difficult weather and terrain conditions will all be part of the evaluation process for the drones, which will take place in a rarefied atmosphere with high winds to replicate actual operational scenarios.
Since the rarefied atmosphere lowers lift and engine performance, drone performance at high altitude is a crucial factor. Drone batteries drain more quickly due to high wind speeds and ice formation. Those deemed appropriate will be incorporated into the operational structure of the Indian Army.
Also Read: Indian Army taps AI, UAVs for next-gen warfare in the Himalayas
Follow us
