Experts stress indigenous UAV development, AI-driven drone systems
A five-day Bootcamp on “Intelligent and Secure Drone Technology” was inaugurated at National Institute of Technology Srinagar (NIT Srinagar), in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Jammu & Kashmir.
The bootcamp is being supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, under the SwaYaan initiative. It has brought together students, engineers, researchers, and professionals for hands-on training in drone technologies.
In his welcome address, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran highlighted the growing importance of drones in security, disaster management, surveillance, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure monitoring.He emphasized the need to build indigenous expertise in UAV design and operation. He shared insights from his work on drone systems, emphasizing the integration of engineering, electronics, and artificial intelligence to develop intelligent, secure drone platforms.
Prof. Sheikh Nazir Ahmed presented an overview of the collaborative NIT–NIELIT Drone Program and discussed initiatives aimed at strengthening research and training in unmanned aerial systems.The five-day bootcamp features sessions on drone components, DGCA regulations, flight simulation, FPV drone assembly, logistics drones, communication systems, UAV structural analysis, and AI applications in drones, along with hands-on demonstrations and flight testing.
Participants in the program include representatives from security and disaster response agencies such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with professionals from drone technology companies and faculty and students from various engineering and educational institutions, reflecting strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government organizations.
During the event, organizers also announced an upcoming six-month advanced drone training program to be jointly conducted by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology and National Institute of Technology Srinagar.The program will focus on drone design, UAV electronics, autonomous navigation, AI integration, drone communication systems, and real-world applications, aiming to develop skilled professionals to support India’s rapidly expanding drone ecosystem.
Several dignitaries addressed the gathering during the inaugural ceremony. Dr. M. Hanief, HoD Mechanical Engineering, NIT Srinagar, highlighted the department’s commitment to emerging technologies such as UAVs.Dr. Fayaz Ahmed, Joint Director, NIELIT, spoke about national initiatives to promote drone innovation and skill development. While as Dr. Ummer Iqbal Khan, Joint Director, NIELIT, emphasized capacity building in advanced technology domains.
In his message, Director, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binodh Kanaujia, highlighted the crucial role of academic institutions in advancing technological innovation, research, and knowledge creation.“There is a need for strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government to foster innovation and drive sustainable development,” he said.Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, appreciated the collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies.
He said today, drone technology is no longer limited to research laboratories or defense applications. It has rapidly evolved into a powerful tool with wide-ranging applications across sectors.“In a region like Jammu and Kashmir, where geography often presents unique challenges, drone technology can play a transformative role in improving accessibility, monitoring natural resources, and enhancing public services,” Prof. Rehman said.
In-Charge Director, NIELIT J&K, Mr. Ashaq Hussain Dar, stressed the importance of developing a skilled workforce in drone technology.“Programs like this bootcamp are therefore extremely valuable as they equip participants not only with technical knowledge but also with an understanding of ethical, regulatory, and security aspects,” he added.The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Sumaya Akhtar, acknowledging the contributions of organizers, speakers, and participants.
The five-day bootcamp is aimed to provide participants with comprehensive exposure to emerging drone technologies, their practical applications, and the importance of security in unmanned aerial systems.It focuses on enhancing technical knowledge in areas such as drone design, navigation systems, data collection, surveillance applications, and safe operational practices.
