Assam Rifles and IIIT Manipur collaboration
Assam Rifles MoU with IIIT Manipur for Defence Drone Innovation: The Assam Rifles has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Manipur at Mantripukhri. This partnership focuses on developing advanced drone technology to enhance India’s defence preparedness. The agreement highlights the growing importance of academia-defence cooperation in building indigenous solutions.
Details of the agreement
The MoU was signed in the presence of Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, IG Assam Rifles (South), and the Director of IIIT Manipur. Both sides underlined the role of drones in modern warfare, especially for border surveillance and logistics in remote regions. The pact aims to merge academic research with operational requirements of the armed forces.
Objectives of the MoU
The collaboration will focus on key goals:
- Development of surveillance and reconnaissance drones.
- Training Assam Rifles personnel in flight operations and maintenance.
- Capacity building through DGCA-certified drone training.
- Enhancing logistics in difficult terrains using unmanned systems.
Static GK fact: Assam Rifles, raised in 1835, is the oldest paramilitary force of India and plays a vital role in maintaining law and order in the Northeast.
Drone training programme
An Advanced Drone Training and Refresher Course has been launched under this initiative. The training covers piloting, navigation, repair, and upkeep of drone systems. The programme follows DGCA regulations, ensuring compliance with aviation standards.
Nearly 80 participants, including Assam Rifles personnel and IIIT faculty, attended the first session. The course aims to create a skilled pool of operators capable of handling drones for multiple defence and civil applications.
Strategic role of drones in defence
Drones have emerged as a force multiplier in defence and security. They provide real-time intelligence through surveillance and reconnaissance missions. In the Northeast, drones can deliver supplies to remote forward posts, overcoming geographical challenges.
They also support disaster management, including relief operations during floods, landslides, and earthquakes. Their adaptability makes them crucial for both military and humanitarian operations.
Static GK Tip: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the statutory body regulating civil aviation in India, headquartered in New Delhi.
Strengthening India’s security framework
The MoU between Assam Rifles and IIIT Manipur reflects India’s emphasis on indigenous defence technology. By combining academic innovation with military needs, the partnership will improve border security, counter-insurgency measures, and disaster response. It aligns with India’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Assam Rifles MoU with IIIT Manipur for Defence Drone Innovation:
| Topic | Detail |
| MoU signed between | Assam Rifles and IIIT Manipur |
| Location | Mantripukhri, Manipur |
| Key leader present | Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, IG Assam Rifles (South) |
| Training launched | Advanced Drone Training and Refresher Course |
| Number of participants | Around 80 |
| Certification standard | DGCA regulations |
| Main objectives | Surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, maintenance |
| Strategic use | Defence operations and disaster management |
| Assam Rifles fact | Oldest paramilitary force of India, raised in 1835 |
| DGCA fact | Regulates civil aviation, headquartered in New Delhi |
