IAF Launches Search for Next-Gen Drone Swarm Tech: How to Join the Mehar Baba Competition 3
Indian Air Force launches Mehar Baba Competition 3. Registration starts April 27, 2026. Innovate collaborative drone-based surveillance radars for indigenous defense solutions.
Bengaluru, April 26, 2026 – The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the commencement of registration for the third edition of the prestigious Mehar Baba Competition (MBC-3). Building upon the success of its previous iterations, this year’s competition centers on the cutting-edge theme: “Collaborative Drone-Based Surveillance Radars.”
Driving Innovation for Self-Reliance
Launched in 2018, the Mehar Baba Competition is an initiative by the IAF designed to stimulate and encourage innovation in niche technologies. By inviting participation from academia, industry, start-ups, and individual entrepreneurs, MBC aims to indigenously develop critical technological solutions for the nation’s defense needs. This competition serves as a significant leap towards achieving self-reliance and supports the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative by providing a formal platform for local technical talent to think creatively and address complex challenges.
Developing Airborne Drone Swarm Radars
MBC-3 focuses on developing a proof of concept for a collaborative swarm of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) that function as a single, airborne radar system. This innovative approach involves a network of coordinated drones capable of detecting, tracking, and reporting aerial targets, even in contested environments. The system must be able to provide accurate location information for these targets to a centralized monitoring station.
A Platform for Collaboration and Recognition
The third edition of MBC was officially launched by the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth, on February 11, 2025, during Aero India 2025. This prominent launch underscores the national importance and high-level support for this initiative.
The competition offers substantial benefits to meritorious participants. Those who demonstrate promising concepts will receive development funding directly from the IAF to further advance their technologies. Furthermore, the top three winners will be recognized and honored with prestigious awards, showcasing their innovative achievements on a national level.
Call to Innovate: Registration Now Open
The IAF encourages all eligible entities – including academia, industry partners, start-ups, and entrepreneurs – with expertise in drone technology, radar systems, and related fields to participate in MBC-3. Registration for this competition will commence on April 27, 2026.
This competition represents a unique opportunity for innovators to contribute to India’s defense capabilities and shape the future of aerospace technology. By leveraging the combined ingenuity of Indian talent, the IAF aims to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving technological landscape and ensure national security.
To learn more about MBC-3, including detailed eligibility criteria, competition guidelines, and the registration process, please visit the official Indian Air Force website: https://indianairforce.nic.in/mehar_baba
This initiative not only fosters innovation but also creates a collaborative ecosystem where government, industry, and academia can work together to address critical national security challenges. The outcome of MBC-3 is expected to significantly enhance India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, paving the way for advanced and domestically developed aerial defense solutions.
