Five-Day Drone Technology Bootcamp Begins at NIT Srinagar, Security Agencies Join Training | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: A five-day bootcamp on “Intelligent and Secure Drone Technology” began on Tuesday at the National Institute of Technology Srinagar, bringing together students, engineers, researchers and security personnel for hands-on training in emerging drone technologies.

The programme is being organised by NIT Srinagar in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Jammu and Kashmir, with support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the SwaYaan initiative of the Government of India.

In his welcome address, Dinesh Kumar Rajendran highlighted the increasing role of drones in sectors such as security, disaster management, surveillance, agriculture, logistics and infrastructure monitoring. He emphasised the need to develop indigenous expertise in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) design and operation, stressing the integration of engineering, electronics and artificial intelligence to build intelligent and secure drone systems.

Prof Sheikh Nazir Ahmed presented an overview of the collaborative NIT–NIELIT drone programme and outlined initiatives aimed at strengthening research and training in unmanned aerial systems.

The bootcamp features technical sessions on drone components, DGCA regulations, flight simulation, FPV drone assembly, logistics drones, communication systems, UAV structural analysis and the use of artificial intelligence in drone applications. Participants will also undergo hands-on demonstrations and flight testing during the programme.

Representatives from security and disaster response agencies, including the Central Reserve Police Force and the National Disaster Management Authority, are participating in the training along with professionals from drone technology companies, faculty members and students from engineering institutions.

During the event, organisers also announced a six-month advanced drone training programme to be jointly conducted by NIELIT and NIT Srinagar. The programme will focus on drone design, UAV electronics, autonomous navigation, artificial intelligence integration, drone communication systems and real-world applications.

Addressing the inaugural session,  M Hanief, Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at NIT Srinagar, highlighted the department’s commitment to emerging technologies such as UAVs. Fayaz Ahmed, Joint Director, NIELIT, spoke about national initiatives to promote drone innovation and skill development, while Ummer Iqbal Khan, Joint Director, NIELIT, stressed the need for capacity building in advanced technology domains.

In his message, Director NIT Srinagar Prof Binodh Kanaujia underscored the role of academic institutions in driving technological innovation and research.

“There is a need for strong collaboration between academia, industry and government to foster innovation and drive sustainable development,” he said.

Institute Registrar Prof Atikur Rehman said drone technology has evolved beyond research laboratories and defence applications and now has wide-ranging civilian uses.

“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,” he said.

In-Charge Director, NIELIT JK, Ashaq Hussain Dar highlighted the importance of building a skilled workforce in drone technology and said programmes like the bootcamp help participants understand not only technical aspects but also ethical, regulatory and security considerations.

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Sumaya Akhtar, who acknowledged the contributions of organisers, speakers and participants.

Organisers said the bootcamp aims to provide participants with practical exposure to emerging drone technologies, focusing on areas such as drone design, navigation systems, surveillance applications, data collection and safe operational practices.