MBC-3: IAF's New Drive for Swarm Drone Radar Innovation

The Indian Air Force is accelerating homegrown defense capabilities through the third edition of the Meher Baba Competition (MBC-3), centered on collaborative drone-based surveillance radars. Set to kick off registrations in 2026, this challenge calls for breakthrough technologies where drone swarms integrate into a networked radar system, capable of identifying and monitoring aerial threats in real-time under adversarial conditions. This effort underscores the IAF's commitment to future-proofing warfare with affordable, indigenous solutions. By uniting industry, startups, and academic institutions, MBC-3 not only prototypes proof-of-concept systems but also paves the way for operational deployment. Participants gain access to funding, expert mentorship, and prizes for top performers. Previous iterations excelled: the first tackled disaster relief swarm drones, the second focused on runway debris detection, collectively sparking a robust unmanned systems ecosystem and massive orders. Named after the illustrious Air Commodore Meher Singh—renowned for his WWII heroics and leadership—MBC-3 continues to propel India's Atmanirbhar Bharat in aerospace, bridging developers and defense users seamlessly.