IAF Launches Mehar Baba Competition-3 to Drive Next-Gen Drone Radar Innovation

 In a major push to accelerate indigenous defence innovation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the launch of the third edition of the Mehar Baba Competition (MBC-3), inviting startups, industry players, and academic institutions to develop cutting-edge technologies in drone-based surveillance systems.

With the theme “Collaborative Drone-Based Surveillance Radars,” the competition aims to create advanced solutions using swarm drone technology integrated with airborne radar capabilities, marking a significant step toward strengthening India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem.

Focus on Swarm Drones as Airborne Radar Systems

The core objective of MBC-3 is to develop a proof of concept for a collaborative swarm of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) that can function as an airborne radar network.

Participants will be tasked with designing systems capable of:

• Detecting and tracking aerial targets in contested environments

• Providing real-time, accurate location data

• Relaying information to a centralised monitoring station

This concept represents a next-generation approach to surveillance, where multiple drones operate in coordination to enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency.

Encouraging Indigenous Innovation Across Sectors

The Indian Air Force has opened the competition to a wide range of participants, including:

• Indian industries

• Startups and MSMEs

• Academic institutions

• Research and development organisations

Selected participants will receive development funding from the IAF, while the top three performers will be recognised with awards, providing both financial and reputational incentives.

Registration for the competition will commence on April 27, 2026, with detailed guidelines available in the official Vision Document on the IAF website.

Proven Platform Driving Defence Ecosystem Growth

Since its inception, the Mehar Baba Competition has emerged as a key catalyst for innovation in unmanned systems and aerospace technologies.

• Previous editions have generated orders worth approximately ₹2,000 crore for the unmanned systems industry

• The initiative has successfully bridged the gap between defence users, industry, and academia

The first two editions focused on:

• Swarm drones for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)

• Drone-based foreign object debris (FOD) detection on airfields

Both themes addressed real-world operational challenges and received strong participation from across the innovation ecosystem.

Building a Future-Ready Aerospace Capability

MBC-3 comes at a time when global defence systems are increasingly relying on:

• Autonomous platforms

• AI-driven surveillance

• Network-centric warfare capabilities

By focusing on collaborative drone radar systems, the IAF is encouraging the development of cost-effective, scalable, and indigenous solutions that can enhance India’s defence preparedness.

A Legacy of Excellence: Honouring Air Commodore Mehar Singh

The competition is named in honour of Air Commodore Mehar Singh, DSO, MVC, a legendary figure in Indian aviation history.

Known for his exceptional courage and leadership:

• He led the historic 1947 airlift of Indian troops to Srinagar, a निर्णायक moment in India’s defence history

• He became the first pilot to land at Leh, then the world’s highest airstrip

• He was among the earliest recipients of the Maha Vir Chakra

The competition carries forward his legacy by inspiring innovation and excellence in aviation technology.

Toward an Atmanirbhar Defence Ecosystem

The Mehar Baba Competition aligns with India’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing and technology development.

By providing a collaborative platform for innovators, the IAF aims to:

• Foster indigenous R&D capabilities

• Accelerate technology development cycles

• Reduce dependence on imported defence systems

A Call to Innovators

With MBC-3, the Indian Air Force is once again extending an open invitation to India’s innovation ecosystem to contribute to next-generation aerospace solutions.

As drone technology, AI, and radar systems converge, the competition is expected to unlock new possibilities in defence applications while positioning India as a global hub for advanced unmanned systems innovation.

As India continues to modernize its defence capabilities, initiatives like the Mehar Baba Competition are playing a crucial role in shaping a future-ready, innovation-driven aerospace ecosystem, driven by collaboration between the armed forces, industry, and academia.