New Delhi: In a bid to enhance self-reliance in critical defence technologies, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will organise a workshop and exhibition focused on the indigenisation of critical components used in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).

The event will be held on July 16 at the Manekshaw Centre in the national capital.

The initiative is being jointly organised by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). It aims to reduce India's dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for key components used in UAV and C-UAS systems.

The event gains added significance in the backdrop of recent India-Pakistan tensions, including Operation Sindoor, where UAVs and C-UAS played a crucial role in real-time surveillance, precision targeting, and force protection—highlighting the growing importance of these systems in modern warfare.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan will be the Chief Guest at the workshop. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, will deliver the closing address, summarising the key takeaways and outlining the roadmap for full-scale indigenisation.

The workshop will bring together defence experts, policymakers, military leadership, scientists, and industry representatives to brainstorm strategies and challenges related to domestic manufacturing. The deliberations are expected to culminate in a strategic policy document.

As part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the event will also feature live demonstrations of indigenous technologies and expert-led discussions aimed at building long-term capabilities in unmanned systems.