Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Manipur, formally launched a partnership in drone technology with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Mantripukhri.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both institutions, including Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), and the Director of IIIT Manipur, highlighting the growing importance of defence–academia collaboration in harnessing emerging technologies for national security. Both dignitaries stressed the transformative role of drone systems in modern warfare and underlined the need for joint initiatives to accelerate technology adoption in defence operations.
The MoU signing was followed by an insightful session by a faculty member of IIIT Manipur, who spoke on the indigenisation of drone technology and its relevance in building autonomy and resilience in drone manufacturing.
In a major step towards future-ready defence preparedness, the event also saw the launch of an Advanced Drone Training and Refresher Course tailored for Assam Rifles personnel. The programme will provide hands-on training in drone flight operations, maintenance, and certification aligned with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) standards. The course is designed to enhance technical skills and operational adaptability, preparing personnel for roles in surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics in challenging terrains.
Around 80 participants, including defence personnel and IIIT Manipur faculty members, took part in the event. Their engagement reflected a shared vision of technological empowerment and reaffirmed the value of collaborative learning in strengthening an innovation-driven security force.