The Indian Air Force (IAF) has concluded the Mehar Baba Competition-II (MBC-II), a key initiative aimed at advancing India’s indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. After almost two years of trials and evaluations, Pune-based Ayaan Autonomous Systems Pvt Ltd emerged as the winner, marking a significant achievement for the country’s drone technology sector.
Launched on April 6, 2022, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the competition focused on developing a Swarm Drone-Based System to detect foreign objects on aircraft operating surfaces. With a budget of INR 300 crore for UAV procurement, the competition attracted 129 initial applicants. Following extensive assessments by a Committee of Experts (CoE) from the IAF and top academic institutions, four finalists were chosen. Ayaan Autonomous Systems clinched the top spot in the final phase held in July 2024, showcasing its technological innovation and operational excellence.
The Mehar Baba Competition has fostered collaboration between India’s industry, academia, and the defence sector, building a strong ecosystem for innovation. It has driven the development of indigenous UAV technology, expanding India’s defence technology capabilities.
The IAF’s focus on competitions like MBC-II is in line with India’s goal to become a global leader in drone technology by 2030, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. By encouraging deep-tech solutions and supporting indigenous expertise, India is making significant strides toward achieving self-reliance in defence technology.
Following the victory, Ayaan Autonomous Systems expressed their gratitude. Founder & CEO Atul Chaudhari received the prestigious award from Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Set, during Aero India 2025. The ceremony was attended by Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and other dignitaries.
“This award is a testament to our dedication and passion. We developed subsystems in-house, which were rigorously tested by the IAF. Throughout the competition, we introduced several innovations, which ultimately led to our success. We are excited about the upcoming capital procurement for this solution, which will take us closer to its operational deployment,” said Atul Chaudhari.
Ayaan Autonomous Systems has been a leader in UAV technology, pioneering autonomous swarming algorithms that are transforming aerial systems. Their success not only reflects their technological prowess but also their commitment to national defence and indigenous innovation.
With the successful conclusion of MBC-II, India is set to enter a new era in UAV capabilities. The IAF’s continued focus on autonomous systems will strengthen national security and create significant opportunities for research, development, and commercialization in the defence sector. With Ayaan Autonomous Systems at the forefront, India’s drone industry is poised for rapid growth, reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in drone technology and defence autonomy.
