Spiti Valley to host Surya Dronathon 2025, Indian Army’s push for made-in-India Drone tech
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, July 29,
With an eye on the future of warfare and a firm commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, the Indian Army is launching a first-of-its-kind high-altitude drone competition — Surya Dronathon 2025 — in the remote Sumdo region of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Organised by the Army’s Surya Command in partnership with the Drone Federation of India, the event aims to transform one of India’s highest and harshest terrains into a proving ground for cutting-edge indigenous drone innovation. At an altitude of 10,700 feet, participants will be tested on agility, endurance, and the military viability of their systems, in what promises to be a landmark event for India’s defence-tech landscape.
Open to service teams, freelancers, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), the Surya Dronathon will unfold in two phases between August 10 and 24, 2025. Participants will compete in categories such as obstacle negotiation and endurance races — with designs and performance evaluated against the operational needs of modern military scenarios. The competition aims to identify next-generation drone solutions and promote indigenous research, development, and manufacturing, forming a strategic bridge between defence forces, individual innovators, start-ups, and established players in the aerospace sector.
As India pushes forward with efforts to reduce dependence on foreign defence imports, initiatives like the Surya Dronathon reflect a clear shift toward tapping the country’s own engineering and technological talent. The competition also signals the Army’s growing openness to engage with non-traditional actors — including freelancers and emerging companies — to meet its evolving operational demands. Online registration for participants is open until August 1, 2025, offering a final window for innovators across the country to contribute to this unique convergence of military preparedness and technological progress.
At its core, the Surya Dronathon is more than just a competition — it is a statement of intent. It underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to embracing innovation and self-reliance, while simultaneously catalysing the development of a vibrant defence-tech ecosystem within the country. By hosting this landmark event in one of the most challenging terrains in the Himalayas, the Army is not only pushing the boundaries of drone technology but also placing indigenous innovation at the heart of national security.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
