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In a bold stride toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Indian Army’s Surya Command, in collaboration with the Drone Federation of India, has announced a first-of-its-kind drone competition — ‘Surya Dronathon 2025’ — to be held in the remote and high-altitude region of Sumdo, located in the picturesque Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 10,700 feet.
The competition invites entries from across the country, targeting talented freelancers, startups, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Designed as one of India’s highest and most challenging drone obstacle courses, this event will test the participants’ drone innovation and control in rarefied air and strong mountain winds.
This initiative aims to foster indigenous drone technology, encourage next-generation innovation, and align with the Indian Army’s vision under the “Decade of Transformation” by integrating cutting-edge solutions for modern warfare needs.
Key Objectives of Surya Dronathon 2025:
- Promote indigenous R&D and manufacturing of advanced drone systems.
- Identify scalable solutions aligned with future defense requirements.
- Bridge innovators, startups, and defense users through active collaboration.
The event will be conducted in three categories:
- Serving military personnel
- Open category / freelance drone pilots
- OEMs and drone startups
Event Timeline:
- Registration Deadline: August 5, 2025
- Phase 1: August 10–15, 2025
- Phase 2: August 20–24, 2025
- Venue: Sumdo, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The competition will feature drone races, obstacle navigation, and field trials simulating real-life military scenarios. Winning participants will not only receive attractive rewards but also a chance for their technologies to be evaluated for inclusion in operational use by the Indian Army.
Detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and registration process have been made available on the official social media handles of Surya Command and Headquarters Northern India Area.
