New Delhi: Designed to propel advancements in military technologies specifically tailored for high-altitude operations, the Indian Army is set to unveil two pivotal events, HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 and HIMTECH-2024 later this month. Both events will serve as a platform for the Indian Drone Industry to demonstrate the effectiveness and capabilities of their drone solutions in some of the world’s most challenging environments and will also help the Indian Army identify products suitable for procurement.
Envisioned as a groundbreaking event where indigenous drone manufacturers can showcase their innovations, HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 is scheduled to take place at Wari La, near Leh, from September 17-18, 2024. Companies will demonstrate a range of UAVs at altitudes of 4,000 to 5,000 metres under real terrain and environmental conditions. This setting will challenge the participants to prove the reliability and efficacy of their drone solutions in conditions that include reduced lift, degraded engine performance, extreme cold, and high wind speeds.
The event is being organised for five major categories: surveillance drones, logistics drones, swarm drones, loitering munitions, first person view drones, and drones with specific payloads like synthetic aperture radar, and electronic warfare. The event is being held in collaboration with industry body FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry). The event has already attracted over 25 indigenous drone manufacturers who will participate in a multifaceted competition and demonstrate various drone types.
Briefing the media on the upcoming events, Major General C S Mann, Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau, stressed the significance of these conditions, which are unique to the Indian Army’s operational landscape, from the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier to the rugged terrains of the Himalayas. He noted that these challenging environments necessitate tailor-made, indigenous solutions. Success in these conditions could not only bolster the Indian Army’s operational capabilities but also position India as a credible drone manufacturing hub on the global stage.
He said, “It will also provide valuable inputs for formulation of qualitative and operational requirements for future procurements. The Indian Army would also be able to suggest modifications and product improvement requirements.” Industry would get a first-hand experience of operational challenges faced by the Indian Army operating in these areas.
Highlighting the growing importance of drones in warfare, Maj Gen Mann said recent wars have amply highlighted the indispensability of drones in any future conflict due to their transformative impact on modern military operations. For India, operating drones at high altitudes of 15,000 to 20,000 feet poses significant challenges: the rarefied atmosphere, low temperatures, and heavy winds.
He acknowledged that use of Chinese equipment in drones is a “live issue” and anything remotely to do with data is where the vulnerability lies. He said that the Government has taken some actions and “appropriate methodology to address this will come into effect.” He added that there was no specific timeline.
He stated, “Anything to do with electronics is what has the potential for data transfer. Anything remotely to do with data is where the vulnerability lies. We are finding methods to overcome this aspect… Supply chains are dependent on Chinese components, how do we overcome them and how we are able to ensure they are not there… various methods are being deliberated upon and we will come out with a framework.” At the upcoming event, this aspect would also be examined, he stated.
Ashish Kansal, Co-Chair of the FICCI Defence and Homeland Security Committee, and Executive Director of SMPP Pvt Ltd said that the Industry is taking conscious steps to ensure Chinese components are not part of sensitive equipment, especially electronic parts. He noted that there is dependency on China for supply chains.
Following HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2, HIMTECH-2024 will be held on September 20-21, 2024 in Leh. Being hosted in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the event is aimed at fostering discussions, demonstrations, and discovery of new avenues for the development and incorporation of advanced technologies for high-altitude military operations.
Showcasing the latest equipment and technologies from industry partners, emphasising modern unmanned systems, all-terrain mobility solutions, autonomous systems, and advanced soldier systems, HIMTECH-2024 will also underscore Leh’s potential as a new business destination for technology developers, industry, and academia. In addition to its military applications, the technology demonstrated at HIMTECH-2024 could be harnessed for civilian use, particularly in high-altitude areas and regions with similar terrain and atmospheric conditions, such as the Union Territory of Ladakh.
“HIMTECH-2024 is being held for the first time in Leh, to highlight and focus on the development of technology and systems to meet operational challenges along the northern border,” said Maj Gen P S Bhatti with the Udhampur-based Northern Command. In the last few years, the Army has undertaken a series of procurements: drones, loitering munitions, counter drone systems and other such technologies through various procurement routes.
Highlighting the vital role of indigenous innovation in meeting Indian Army’s unique operational challenges, these events mark a significant step forward in the Indian Army’s efforts to enhance its operational capabilities in high-altitude regions.
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