First Batch of Army Officers Completes Drone Training Under IIT Ropar–ARTRAC MoU
In a significant advancement towards enhancing the Indian Army’s capabilities in drone warfare, a group of 25 officers and personnel from various ranks has successfully completed a three-week Pilot Drone Training Programme at the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT-R) in Punjab. This training initiative was conducted under the auspices of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) and organized by IIT Ropar’s Centre of Drones and Autonomous Systems (DRAS) in collaboration with the Defence Research Innovation Foundation (DRIF).
Overview of the Training Program
The training program took place from October 6 to October 25, 2025, marking a pivotal step towards self-reliant innovation and next-generation combat readiness in modern warfare. The program was designed to equip the participants with essential skills and knowledge related to drone technology.
Details of the Memorandum of Understanding
Lt Gen Surinder Singh Mahal (Retd), Director of DRIF, emphasized the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IIT-R and ARTRAC, which is set to last for three years. This agreement facilitates the training of 25 officers and personnel from different Army formations, with plans to conduct the training biannually.
Course Content and Structure
The comprehensive three-week course encompasses a wide array of topics, including:
- Avionics and drone construction
- Flying counter drones
- Handling First Person View (FPV) drones
- Understanding adversary drone capabilities and countermeasures
Upon completion of the training, participants will receive certifications from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Geographic Information System (GIS), enabling them to return to their respective formations and impart drone training to fellow soldiers.
Significance of Drone Technology in Modern Warfare
The rapid evolution of drone technology is reshaping the landscape of military operations. Lt Gen Mahal highlighted that understanding and utilizing drone capabilities is crucial for modern combat effectiveness. The training program aims to prepare officers to navigate this technological shift effectively.
Future Training Initiatives
Dr. Shashi Shekhar Jha, Coordinator of DRAS, announced that the next batch of training is scheduled for January 2026. He noted that the course provides participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in drone operations, including:
- Drone building and integration
- Drone data processing and analysis
- Advanced modules on Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS)
- Drone Warfare and Autonomous Systems
Dr. Jha stated, “The knowledge and hands-on expertise imparted during the course will empower participants to enhance their operational understanding of drones as a transformative technology.”
Broader Educational Initiatives by the Army
The Indian Army has been proactive in enhancing professional education and capacity-building among its personnel. The MoU with IIT Ropar is part of a broader strategy that has seen collaborations with seven premier institutions across India. These partnerships aim to provide Army officers with training in 22 specialized courses under the Army Management Studies Board.
Participating Institutions
Some of the notable institutions involved in this initiative include:
- Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management
- National Law University
- Indian Institute of Management, Indore
- Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurugram
- Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani
The MoU with IIT Ropar is intended to be extended based on organizational requirements and feedback from the courses conducted.
Conclusion
The completion of the first batch of drone training marks a critical milestone in the Indian Army’s journey towards integrating advanced technology into its operations. As the military landscape continues to evolve, such initiatives will play a crucial role in ensuring that the armed forces remain prepared and capable in the face of emerging challenges.
Note: This article is based on information available as of October 2023.
