Army launches high-altitude drone events in Leh

New Delhi, Sep 4: The Army has announced two important events aimed at enhancing military operations in high-altitude regions: “HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2” and “HIMTECH-2024.”

These events will provide a platform for the Indian Drone Industry to showcase their advanced drone solutions tailored for challenging high-altitude conditions.

HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2, scheduled for September 17-18, 2024, at Wari La near Leh, will test drone technologies under real-world conditions at altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 meters. The event invites indigenous drone manufacturers to demonstrate a variety of drone capabilities, including surveillance, logistics, swarm technology, and specialized drones equipped for electronic warfare and intelligence. Over 25 drone manufacturing firms have already registered to participate, competing to prove their suitability and capabilities in these extreme environments.

HIMTECH-2024 will follow on September 20-21, 2024, also in Leh. This event, organized in collaboration with FICCI, aims to foster innovation and development of military technologies specifically for high-altitude operations along India’s northern borders. HIMTECH-2024 will showcase cutting-edge unmanned systems, all-terrain mobility solutions, and advanced soldier systems. The event will highlight Leh as a new hub for technology development, attracting industry leaders, academics, and innovators.

Major General CS Mann, Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau, emphasized the unique challenges faced by the Indian Army in high-altitude regions, such as the Siachen Glacier and the rugged Himalayas. He pointed out that drones operating in these areas face reduced lift, degraded engine performance, extreme cold, and high wind speeds. These conditions are unique to the Indian Army, requiring specially designed, indigenous solutions. Success in these environments could open up international markets for India’s drone industry, establishing the country as a credible drone manufacturing hub.