The ministry of defense (MoD) has had little success in buying armaments through conservative processes, laid down in its defense procurement procedures and manuals. Now, it is thinking way out of the box. In a bid to sample the market in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Centre is organizing Aero India 2019, which is programmed to be held in Bengaluru from February 21 to 24. The event will aspect a unique and unparalleled contest: the "Drone Olympics", which will be held on an opening day.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday inaugurates the Drone Olympics website, which stated: "The Government of India is organizing a 'Drone Olympics' under which various drone competitions shall be held and winners will be honored with medals and cash prizes. Come forward and participate in the competition." From battlefield observation, photography, mapping terrain and delivering products to distantly fired missile strikes on high-value targets, drones are today one of the most sought-after gadgets in the field of defense.
India's military is dealing with and developing a range of drones. On the shopping list are 22 complicated, High-Altitude, Long-Endurance (HALE) Cand smaller, man-portable, Shoulder-launched drones that foot soldiers can instigate to observe the enemy across a hill or around a corner. Meanwhile, the DRDO is building an indigenous, Medium Altitude, Long Endurance (MALE) drone called the Rustom II.
However, that still leaves out a range of small, high-tech manufacturers, which build small drones able to perform a range of military activities that could improve battlefield performance. The Drone Olympics will put the spotlight on them, while also allowing the MoD to appraise their products.
"It will not only hearten the UAV developed in the country but also provide a chance to the armed forces to assess the capabilities that exist in the world," said the MoD, while inaugurating the Drone Olympics website.
The "Drone Olympics" are open to both Indian and international manufacturers. The competition, which will feature two classes of drones – under-four kg and four-seven kg – will be held in three domains.
The first is a "Surveillance Challenge" in which UAVs will be graded on their aptitude to monitor and recce a specified area. Second, the "Supply Drop Challenge" will need a drone to lift a two-kg load to a point 2 km away, with the winner being the lightest drone that can consecutively complete the task. Finally, a "Formation Flying Challenge" will assess groups of drones' ability to fly in formation.
"The winners will be honored with medals and a cash prize of ~3.8 million to top three winners of each competition. Last date of registration to participate in this event is January 26, 2019," announced the MoD on Friday.
