The Indian Army is set to unveil two pivotal events, HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 and HIMTECH-2024, both designed to propel advancements in military technologies specifically tailored for high-altitude operations. These 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.
HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2: Pushing the Limits of Drone Technology
Scheduled to take place at Wari La, near Leh, from Sept 17-18, 2024, HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 is envisioned as a groundbreaking event where indigenous drone manufacturers can showcase their innovations. The event will be conducted under real terrain and environmental conditions, at altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 meters. 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.
Talking to the media, Major General CS 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.
The event has already attracted over 25 indigenous drone manufacturers who will participate in a multifaceted competition. They will demonstrate various drone types, including Surveillance Drones, Loitering Munitions, Logistics Drones, Swarm Drones, and specialized drones equipped with Electronic Warfare capabilities, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Communication Intelligence, and Electronic Intelligence.
HIMTECH-2024: Innovating for the Future
Following HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2, HIMTECH-2024 will be held on 20-21 September 2024 in Leh. This event, being hosted in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is aimed at fostering discussions, demonstrations, and discovery of new avenues for the development and incorporation of advanced technologies for high-altitude military operations.
HIMTECH-2024 will showcase the latest equipment and technologies from industry partners, emphasizing modern unmanned systems, all-terrain mobility solutions, autonomous systems, and advanced soldier systems. The event 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.
These events mark a significant step forward in the Indian Army’s efforts to enhance its operational capabilities in high-altitude regions and highlight the vital role of indigenous innovation in meeting these unique challenges.