The Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force conducted an Industry Outreach Programme and Exhibition on “Over-the-Sea Cargo Drones for Logistics and Mobility Solutions for Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands” at Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
The event aimed to explore innovative drone-based logistics solutions to enhance connectivity and supply chain efficiency for India’s island territories, particularly in the Lakshadweep archipelago.
Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, VM, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, inaugurated the programme, while Air Marshal Manish Khanna, UYSM, AVSM, VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command, delivered the keynote address.
The outreach programme was organised in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), bringing together key stakeholders from the defence, aviation, and technology sectors.
Industry experts, drone manufacturers, and logistics innovators showcased cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems designed for maritime transport, emergency response, and last-mile delivery in remote island regions.
The initiative underscores the Indian Air Force’s commitment to fostering indigenisation, public-private collaboration, and adoption of next-generation air mobility technologies to strengthen India’s logistics resilience and operational reach across its island territories.
