Mantripukhri, Aug 19: In a significant move toward strengthening border security and enhancing technological capabilities, the Assam Rifles and the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Manipur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalizing a strategic partnership in drone technology. The landmark event took place at Mantripukhri and marks a step forward in the integration of indigenous technology in defence operations.

The MoU signing ceremony witnessed the presence of senior officials from Assam Rifles, academic experts from IIIT Manipur, and technical professionals involved in drone innovation. The partnership aims to foster collaboration between defence forces and academic institutions to develop, adapt, and deploy drone technology that suits the unique challenges of India's border regions.
One of the key highlights of the event was a dedicated session on the indigenisation of drone systems, focusing on reducing dependency on imported technologies. Experts shared insights into designing drones tailored for surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics in remote and difficult terrains — particularly relevant for the northeastern border states.
Officials emphasized the importance of “Made-in-India” solutions, noting that such collaborations can accelerate the development of custom-built, cost-effective, and mission-ready drone platforms that meet the specific requirements of Indian defence forces.
Alongside the MoU signing, an Advanced Drone Training and Refresher Course was launched, targeting both defence personnel and academic participants. The course covers a wide range of areas including:
Drone flight operations and mission planning
Maintenance and troubleshooting
Safety protocols and compliance
DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) certification process
The training has drawn around 80 participants from the defence and academic sectors, creating a unique environment for knowledge exchange and practical learning. This joint capacity-building effort ensures that drone operations are not only technically sound but also compliant with national regulations.
This partnership is a timely and strategic move as India continues to modernize its defence infrastructure. For Assam Rifles, known as the "Sentinels of the Northeast", the integration of drone technology offers new possibilities for surveillance, intelligence gathering, disaster response, and logistics in difficult terrain.
By collaborating with IIIT Manipur, Assam Rifles taps into young minds, cutting-edge research, and engineering expertise, thereby fostering innovation at the intersection of academia and security.
Speaking on the occasion, a senior official remarked:
“Technology is no longer a support tool — it is a frontline asset. Our partnership with IIIT Manipur reflects a shared vision to secure our borders using the best minds and the best machines.”

The MoU between Assam Rifles and IIIT Manipur sets an encouraging precedent for civil-military cooperation in technology development, especially in areas where innovation is critical for national security. It underscores how academia can play a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s defence apparatus while opening new pathways for students and researchers to contribute meaningfully to the country.
As the training program progresses and the collaboration deepens, the joint initiative promises not only technological breakthroughs in drone systems but also a future-ready security architecture built on indigenisation, skill development, and strategic foresight.