In a significant stride towards integrating cutting-edge technology into military training, the 39 Gorkha Training Centre in Varanasi, under the aegis of Surya Command, recently conducted a 3D Printing and First-Person View (FPV) Drone Development Course. The program aimed to equip soldiers with advanced skills in drone assembly, programming, and real-time flight control, fostering innovation and technical excellence on the battlefield.
The course provided hands-on experience, enabling participants to successfully build and operate fully functional FPV drones. Soldiers engaged in practical sessions that transformed theoretical concepts into tangible prototypes, enhancing their understanding of emerging technologies. The training environment, blending technology with rigorous instruction, created an unparalleled learning experience for the trainees.
This initiative follows the inauguration of a state-of-the-art 3D Printing Lab at the same centre earlier this year, reflecting the Indian Army’s commitment to leveraging modern technology for defence advancements. The use of 3D printing in military applications allows for on-site production of spare parts, reducing logistical challenges and enhancing self-reliance in remote operations—a practice increasingly adopted by militaries worldwide, as noted in studies like NATO’s 2017 Additive Manufacturing Feasibility Study.
FPV drones, which have gained prominence in modern warfare, offer real-time reconnaissance, precision strikes, and electronic warfare capabilities. Their tactical significance has been underscored in conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, where drones have proven to be low-cost, high-impact tools for both offensive and defensive operations. The Indian Army’s training program also incorporates lessons from such conflicts, preparing soldiers to both utilize and counter FPV drones effectively.
The course at the 39 Gorkha Training Centre, a key training hub for the 3rd and 9th Gorkha Battalions, marks a pivotal step in the Indian Army’s broader mission to develop next-generation soldiers. By equipping personnel with skills in 3D printing and drone technology, the Army is ensuring its forces are future-ready to address evolving battlefield challenges. This initiative is part of a larger effort under hashtags like #YearOfDefenceReforms and #OnPathToTransformation, emphasizing capability development and technological empowerment within the armed forces.
The program has been lauded as a much-needed step towards imbibing technology into military operations, with participants receiving recognition for their achievements. Brigadier Ashish Gupta, who presided over the course’s closing ceremony on March 20, 2025, presented certificates and awards to the trainees, highlighting their role in driving innovation on the ground. The Indian Army continues to set a benchmark in military training, ensuring its soldiers are at the forefront of technological advancements in defense.
