Indian Army Unveils 'HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2' and 'HIMTECH-2024' to Pioneer High-Altitude Operations

Leh, India- The Indian Army has unveiled two pivotal events to revolutionise military operations in high-altitude areas— ‘HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2’ and ‘HIMTECH-2024.’ These initiatives are set to harness cutting-edge technologies specifically designed to enhance the Army's capabilities in some of the world's most challenging terrains.  

HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2, scheduled for 17-18 September 2024 at Wari La, near Leh, is envisioned as a groundbreaking opportunity for the Indian Drone Industry to showcase their solutions tailored for high-altitude operations. With the Indian Army’s deployment spanning from the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier to the rugged Himalayas, drones play an essential role. However, the rarified atmosphere of these regions presents unique challenges—reduced lift, degraded engine performance, extreme cold, and high wind speeds—that demand bespoke solutions.  

Harnessing Indigenous Drone Capabilities  

Major General CS Mann, Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau, emphasized the necessity for indigenous solutions, stating, “Such altitude battlefields are not prevalent anywhere else, and tailored, indigenous solutions are the way forward. Success in these conditions not only enhances our operational capability but also positions India as a credible global drone manufacturing hub.”

HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 will feature over 25 indigenous drone manufacturers, competing under real-world conditions at altitudes of 4000-5000 meters. The event will test the viability of Surveillance drones, Loitering munitions, Logistics Drones, Swarm Drones, and specialized drones equipped with capabilities such as Electronic Warfare, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Communication Intelligence, and Electronic Intelligence.  

Indian Army Focusing on High-altitude Operations  

Following HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2, the HIMTECH-2024 event will take place on 20-21 September 2024 in Leh. This event, a collaboration with FICCI, aims to foster discussions and collaborations around military technology for high-altitude operations. HIMTECH-2024 is designed to explore new avenues for development, the incorporation of advanced technology, and the cross-pollination of ideas, with a primary focus on the Northern Borders.  

This first-ever event in Leh will not only display cutting-edge technology but also highlight Leh as a burgeoning business hub for technology developers, industry partners, and academia. The event will provide a platform for showcasing a range of advanced equipment and technologies, including unmanned systems, all-terrain mobility solutions, autonomous systems, and advanced soldier systems.

The technology showcased at these events is not just limited to military applications. The solutions demonstrated by the Indigenous Drone Industry can also be harnessed for civilian use, particularly in high-altitude areas such as the Union Territory of Ladakh. For instance, the Indian Army has recently received domestically produced Nagastra-1 drones, engineered to strike enemy targets with precision, reducing risks to soldiers. These drones, developed by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, feature over 75 per cent indigenous content.  

A Broader Context of Drone Utilization  

Drones have become an integral part of modern warfare, offering capabilities that range from surveillance and reconnaissance to direct combat missions. Their applications in high-altitude areas are particularly significant, as they allow the Army to conduct operations without risking the lives of pilots or ground soldiers in treacherous terrains. UAVs are also increasingly being used for counter-IED operations, ISTAR missions (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance), and Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD).

In border surveillance, UAVs enhance the Army's ability to monitor vast and challenging terrains effectively. Additionally, drones are instrumental in scientific research, exploration missions, and even in transporting goods in difficult-to-reach areas. The integration of these technologies into the Army's operations is taking warfare into new realms, offering unbounded opportunities despite the inherent challenges.