Assam Rifles takes to drone technology to revamp operational capacity along Myanmar border

Guwahati: Assam Rifles, one of the oldest paramilitary forces in the country, are trying to equip its personnel with drone technology and modern warfare in order to enhance operational capability, particularly along the treacherous border with Myanmar in the country's Northeastern region.

As part of the move, Assam Rifles signed a MoU with Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Manipur on Monday while stressing on growing imperative for defence–academia collaboration in harnessing emerging technologies for national security.

Following signing of the MoU on Monday, officials of both Assam Rifles and IIIT shared insights on the transformative potential of drone systems in modern warfare and emphasised the need for joint efforts to accelerate technology absorption within operational frameworks, Assam Rifles said in a statement.

They also launched an advanced Drone Training and Refresher Course tailored for the Assam Rifles personnel guarding the borders. "The course includes hands-on training in drone flight operations, maintenance protocols, and certification aligned with Directorate General of Civil Aviation standards. Designed to enhance both technical proficiency and field adaptability, the course aims to equip personnel with the skills necessary for surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics support in dynamic terrains," said the statement.

Formed in 1835, Assam Rifles is one of the oldest paramilitary forces but it is still under the operational command of the Army. Assam Rifles still guards the 1,643km borders with Myanmar that Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh share. The forces often face operational challenges against cross border criminals, militants and infiltrators mainly due to remote terrain. Drone technology, according to officials, would add more teeth to Assam Rifles' operational capabilities.