The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), successfully hosted the second edition of the HIM-DRONE-A-THON at Wari La Pass, Ladakh, on September 17-18, 2024. This event marked a significant step in the Indian Army’s initiative to integrate cutting-edge indigenous drone technology for high-altitude military operations.
Over the course of two days, eight leading drone manufacturers participated in the event, displaying 15 advanced drones specifically designed for surveillance and First-Person View (FPV) operations. These drones were put to the test in the extreme conditions of Wari La, situated over 15,000 feet above sea level, where they demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.
The rigorous testing environment provided a unique opportunity to evaluate the drones’ operational capabilities in some of the harshest terrains and climates, showcasing their potential to enhance the Indian Army’s surveillance and reconnaissance missions in mountainous regions.
Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, SC**, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding of the Fire and Fury Corps, attended the event, emphasizing the crucial role of innovation and indigenous technology development in modern warfare. His presence highlighted the strategic importance of the event in aligning with the Indian Army’s focus on technology absorption.
The HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 is a part of the Indian Army’s declared ‘Year of Technology Absorption’, an initiative aimed at significantly boosting the operational capabilities of the army through technological advancements. The successful demonstration of these drones underlines India’s growing proficiency in developing and deploying technology solutions that meet specific defense needs, especially in challenging environments.
This event not only reinforced the Indian Army’s commitment to harnessing homegrown technologies but also showcased the potential collaborations between the military and the private sector to push the boundaries of what’s possible in defense technology.
