Economy
Air Force Maps Unmanned Systems Priorities With 100 Industry Representatives
The Indian Air Force briefed industry on its long-term roadmap for indigenous unmanned and autonomous systems.
What happened
The Indian Air Force held an industry outreach programme in New Delhi on 21 October 2026, attended by about 100 representatives from drone companies and other partners. It outlined operational needs and technology priorities under its unmanned and autonomous systems roadmap, and distributed the roadmap booklet. Priorities include indigenous propulsion, autonomous software, advanced navigation and standardised interfaces.
Why it matters
The initiative gives startups, MSMEs and other domestic partners clearer requirements while targeting lower reliance on foreign technology and a stronger defence industrial ecosystem.
Source: Press Information Bureau (India)