The Indian Army’s Central Command organised Surya Drona Tech 2025, which was held in Dehradun Cantonment on April 29 – 30. The event showcased indigenous drone technologies tailored for high-altitude defence operations, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The event witnessed high-profile attendance, including Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd.), Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C, Central Command, Indian Army. Lt Gen Sengupta praised the expo, stating, “This platform has provided crucial insights into indigenous drone capabilities, paving the way for their operational integration.” A senior SIDM official described it as a “game-changer” for bridging the gap between India’s drone industry and the defence sector.
The expo featured cutting-edge unmanned systems, including ISR drones, loitering munitions, kamikaze drones, swarm drones, logistics systems, FPV drones, and specialised electronic warfare platforms. Anti-drone solutions and automated systems for aerial, ground, and underground missions were also displayed. The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) partnered with the Central Command to showcase India’s drone manufacturing capability.
Key objectives included evaluating systems, identifying high-performing technologies for defence integration, and refining procurement quality requirements. Insights from the event will shape future R&D efforts and bolster the deployment capability.
A key highlight of the event was the live demonstrations of drones in critical operational environments. Special Forces of the Indian Army participated in these drills. In the made-up scenario, it was demonstrated how these systems can be used to enhance the efficiency of our combat and logistical efforts. The use of unmanned platforms in the future will reduce the risks faced by our soldiers.
The two-day event attracted a diverse audience, including schoolchildren, NCC cadets, government agencies, and paramilitary forces. India’s success in this field demonstrates the nation’s commitment to building a self-reliant defence ecosystem, setting new benchmarks in unmanned systems development for a secure, tech-driven future.
