The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully concluded the prestigious Mehar Baba Competition-II (MBC-II), a groundbreaking initiative to foster indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. After nearly two years of rigorous evaluations and trials, Pune-based Ayaan Autonomous Systems Pvt Ltd has emerged as the winner, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of drone autonomy.
Launched on April 6, 2022, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MBC-II focused on developing a Swarm Drone-Based System to Detect Foreign Objects on Aircraft Operating Surfaces. With a sanctioned budget of INR 300 crore for UAV capital procurement, the competition saw 129 initial applicants, with four finalists selected after extensive assessments by a Committee of Experts (CoE) from the IAF and leading academic institutions. In the final phase, held in July 2024, Ayaan Autonomous Systems secured the top position, demonstrating exceptional technological innovation and operational excellence.
The Mehar Baba Competition has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between Indian industry, academia, and the defence sector, creating a robust innovation ecosystem. By encouraging indigenous UAV development, the initiative has propelled India’s drone sector and contributed to the expansion of the defence technology landscape.
The IAF’s commitment to nurturing cutting-edge defence technologies through competitions like MBC-II aligns with India’s ambition to become a global drone hub by 2030, as envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. By promoting deep-tech solutions and fostering indigenous expertise, India is making significant strides toward self-reliance in defence technology.
Following their victory, Ayaan Autonomous Systems expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm. Founder & CEO Atul Chaudhari was presented with the prestigious award by Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Set, during Aero India 2025, in the presence of Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and other dignitaries.
“This award is a testament to our relentless efforts, passion, and the vision we set out to achieve. We indigenously designed and developed subsystems, which were rigorously evaluated by the Indian Air Force. Given the uniqueness of this requirement, we introduced several innovations throughout the competition, ultimately leading to our victory. We now look forward to an upcoming capital procurement for this solution, marking a significant step toward its operational deployment,” said Atul Chaudhari.
Ayaan Autonomous Systems has been a leader in UAV technology, pioneering heterogeneous swarming algorithms that redefine autonomous aerial systems. Their achievements underscore not only their technological excellence but also their unwavering commitment to national defence and indigenous innovation.
With the successful conclusion of Mehar Baba Competition-II, India stands on the brink of a new era in UAV capabilities. The IAF’s continued focus on developing autonomous aerial systems will not only strengthen national security but also create vast opportunities for research, development, and commercialization in the defence technology sector. With Ayaan Autonomous Systems leading the charge, India’s drone industry is poised for unprecedented growth, cementing the nation’s position as a global leader in defence autonomy and unmanned aerial technology.
