Indian Army to test indigenous drone prowess at high altitudes in Leh

The Indian Army is ramping up its capabilities to counter threat along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with two landmark events – HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 and HIMTECH-2024. These events aim to harness cutting-edge drone and military technology for high-altitude operations, preparing India for strategic dominance in the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.
The Indian Army is hosting two groundbreaking events, HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 and HIMTECH-2024, designed to propel military technology for high-altitude operations to new heights. These events will provide the Indian drone industry a critical opportunity to demonstrate cutting-edge solutions that can withstand the extreme conditions of India’s mountainous northern borders.
Taking place at Wari La near Leh on 17-18 September 2024, HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 will bring together over 25 indigenous drone manufacturers to demonstrate their capabilities in real high-altitude battlefield conditions, at elevations ranging between 4,000–5,000 meters.
The competition will put surveillance drones, loitering munitions, logistics drones, swarm drones, and drones with specialised payloads such as Electronic Warfare and Communication Intelligence to the test.
These trials will address the unique challenges faced by Indian Army soldiers stationed from the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier to the rugged Himalayas.
As Major General CS Mann, Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau, emphasised, “Tailormade, indigenous solutions are the way forward for drones that can endure rarified atmospheres, degraded engine performance, and freezing temperatures. Success in these conditions could catapult Indian manufacturers into the global drone arena, establishing India as a key player in drone technology.”
Following the drone showcase, HIMTECH-2024 will be held on September 20-21 in Leh, marking the event’s debut in this strategic location.
Organised in collaboration with FICCI, HIMTECH-2024 will explore cutting-edge military technologies, focusing on unmanned systems, autonomous mobility solutions, and advanced soldier systems tailored for high-altitude areas along the northern borders.
Beyond military applications, this event aims to position Leh as a burgeoning hub for technology development, industry, and academia. Attendees will witness state-of-the-art equipment that could also have civilian applications in regions with harsh terrains, such as the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Both events reflect the Indian Army’s commitment to fostering indigenous solutions that meet the operational needs of high-altitude battlefields. These initiatives also provide a platform for Indian industries to showcase technological innovations with potential international appeal.
HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 and HIMTECH-2024 will not only enhance military readiness but also boost India’s position as a global technology and drone manufacturing hub.