Op Sindoor lessons prompt renewed focus on UAV indigenization

A workshop on indigenization of critical defence components being imported from foreign countries in areas of UAV and C-UAS is being organized by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) here on Wednesday.

The workshop aims to provide a significant push towards achieving self-reliance in defence technologies.

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The event comes in the backdrop of recent India-Pakistan hostilities, including Operation Sindoor, which highlighted the strategic importance and operational effectiveness of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS). These systems played a vital role in enhancing situational awareness, enabling precision targeting, and reducing risks to human personnel-demonstrating the maturity, dependability, and value of India’s indigenous defence technologies during real-time operations.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence stated that recognizing the importance of reducing the dependency on OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) for critical UAV and C-UAS components, the upcoming workshop-cum-exhibition aims to bring together all relevant stakeholders, including defence experts, policymakers, military leaders, scientists, and private industry, to develop a strategic roadmap for indigenisation. The event is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation, knowledge sharing, and long-term capability building in unmanned systems.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will deliver the Closing Address, summarise the deliberations and present the expected outcome, a strategic policy document focused on the indigenisation of UAV and C-UAS systems and their critical subcomponents, the statement added.

The workshop will feature talks by prominent experts, live demonstrations of indigenous technologies, and discussions on overcoming existing challenges in domestic production.