IIT Guwahati launches drone training program for armed forces

The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-G), has commenced a three-month training program focusing on drone technology for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other officers. The initiative aims to modernise armed forces operations, providing participants with comprehensive skills for potential post-retirement careers in the drone industry or as technology entrepreneurs.

This unique program, the first of its kind in the country, will offer extensive training covering drone technologies, pilot training, software operations, and applications, according to Dean Parameswar K Iyer of IITG's Centre for Drone Technology.

The inaugural batch of the program includes 30 personnel from various branches of the armed forces. "IIT-G is offering a certificate program on drone technology to equip the armed forces with this cutting-edge technology and enhance their career opportunities post-retirement," stated T V Bharat, Head of the Centre for Educational Technology.

The training program, facilitated by experienced faculty from different departments and centres, aims to open up diverse opportunities for defence personnel, including entrepreneurial ventures or technology-based second careers. The collaborative effort involves the Centre for Educational Technology, Centre for Intelligent Cyber-Physical Systems (CICPS), Centre for Drone Technology, and IITG Technology Innovation and Development Foundation (IITG TIDF).

Theory courses are conducted by expert faculties from CICPS, while practical training and hands-on experience are imparted by technical members from IITG TIDF, as explained by TIDF Project Director Santosha K Dwivedy. The program is thoughtfully designed to integrate both theoretical and practical aspects of drone technology and operations, encompassing classroom sessions and hands-on training.

(With PTI inputs)