HIM- Drone -A-THON 2 concludes successfully, ushering a new era of high altitude defence  capabilities for India

Leh : 18 Sep 2024 Indian Army, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), concluded the landmark HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 at the Wari La Pass, Ladakh, marking a significant leap in India’s defence modernisation. The event, held from 17-18 September 2024, showcased cutting-edge indigenous drone technology tailored for extreme high-altitude applications, demonstrating the Indian Army’s forward-looking strategy towards enhanced military preparedness through technology absorption.

On second day, with eight leading drone manufacturers participating, the event featured the display of 15 advanced drones, with a focus on surveillance and First-Person View (FPV) operations. Tested rigorously in the demanding environment of Wari La, with altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet, these drones showcased exceptional resilience and adaptability, reinforcing India’s capability to deploy drone technologies in the most challenging terrains.

Senior officials from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force witnessed the event.  Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, SC**, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding of the Fire and Fury Corps, attended the event, underscoring the importance of innovation and indigenous technological advancements in modern warfare. Lt Gen Bhalla and other senior officers lauded the participating companies for their cutting-edge solutions, emphasising the transformative role drones play in both conventional and non-conventional warfare.

A felicitation ceremony honoured all participating companies for their cutting-edge innovations, with special recognition given to winners in the logistics and FPV categories for their exceptional advancements. Senior officials emphasised the potential for these technologies to redefine battlefield dynamics, especially in high-altitude operations where drones can serve as force multipliers in surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response missions.

The event reinforced the Indian Army’s focus on 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’, highlighting the pivotal role drones will play in future military operations. In recent global conflicts, from Ukraine to Israel, drones have emerged as decisive assets, revolutionising traditional battlefields and enabling more agile, precise and efficient military tactics.

HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 positions India to strengthen its national defence and emerge as a global hub for high-altitude drone technology. Aligned with the vision of Raksha Atmanirbharta (Defence Self-Reliance), Indian Army’s focus on indigenous innovations is advancing India’s leadership in defence technology, particularly in drones designed for extreme conditions. By leveraging these initiatives, India is propelling itself to the forefront of global defence modernisation, enhancing both military and civilian capabilities in the world’s most challenging environments.