Indian Army Hosts Successful Surya Spiti Challenge and Dronathon in Himachal Pradesh

Highlights of the Surya Spiti Challenge and Dronathon

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) - On August 24, the Indian Army wrapped up the second edition of the Surya Spiti Challenge Marathon and the inaugural Surya Dronathon 2025 in the breathtaking Spiti Valley, located at an elevation of 10,500 feet. The marathon attracted over 1,500 participants, comprising 800 local residents, 700 armed forces members, and 32 elite athletes from various parts of India.

The Surya Dronathon 2025, which took place from August 10 to 24, featured teams from the military, startups, freelancers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), showcasing advanced drone technologies and homegrown innovations, according to a statement from the Defence Wing of the Press Information Bureau.

During the event, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Central Command, attended and underscored the significance of joint operations and readiness. His visit to the Central Air Command in Prayagraj highlighted the importance of these initiatives in enhancing military-civil relationships, motivating the youth, and celebrating human resilience. Lt Gen Sengupta expressed his commitment to fostering indigenous innovation and promoting self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

The Surya Spiti Challenge included four distinct categories: the 77 km KunzumLa – Kaza Commando Run (Spiti Ultra), a 42 km Full Marathon (Racing Spiti River), a 21 km Half Marathon (The Border Dash), and a 10 km Highland Dash. Naik Het Ram and Tenzin Dolma were crowned champions in the men's and women's divisions, respectively.

The Surya Dronathon 2025 aimed to encourage local innovation, enhance self-reliance in defence production, and provide a platform for innovators to test and showcase their solutions in real-world operational settings.