The attacks on multiple Israeli civilian and military targets by the Gaza-based Islamist militant group, Hamas, are only the most recent illustration of the capabilities that militarised drones — the short name for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — provide, even in a low- or medium-technology environment.<\/p>\n
Drones have entered the public imagination and lexicon as military instruments.<\/p>\n
In 1999, India’s military acquired its first drones from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI).<\/p>\n
These were Searcher-1 and Searcher-2 drones, which flew reconnaissance missions over Pakistan, gathering military photographic intelligence that proved invaluable in the Kargil War that year.<\/p>\n
When the US military entered Afghanistan in the wake of the 9\/11 terrorist strikes, the Central Intelligence Agency flew precision strikes on terrorist targets with Predator drones.<\/p>\n
However, meteoric growth in the capabilities of drones soon transformed industries such as agriculture, construction, logistics, and health care.<\/p>\n
Soon drones became essential tools for data collection, monitoring, and automation in multiple applications.<\/p>\n
In line with these developments, private drone manufacturer DroneAcharya entered into a strategic partnership with Tata STRIVE for training drone pilots in India.<\/p>\n
‘This collaboration aims to provide specialised training in the rapidly growing drone industry, empowering candidates with the skills and knowledge they need to secure better livelihoods and chart a promising career path,’ the two companies announced in a statement.<\/p>\n
This growth is expected to continue, creating numerous jobs. However, access to training and education in drone technology often remains limited to the military or to those with financial means.<\/p>\n
“This collaboration aims to address this disparity by providing training to underprivileged individuals, ensuring that they have a fair shot at joining the drone workforce,” says Prateek Srivastava, who heads DroneAcharya.<\/p>\n
DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations is India’s first listed drone company and the highest-rated remote pilot training organisation (RPTO) in India.<\/p>\n
It has trainers and a comprehensive curriculum and a track record of producing drone professionals.<\/p>\n
Tata STRIVE, a division of the Tata Community Initiatives Trust, promotes skill development and employability.<\/p>\n
The key outcome of the DroneAcharya-Tata STRIVE partnership will be a training programme that includes drone pilot-training certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and job assistance.<\/p>\n
“Candidates will receive hands-on training in drone piloting, maintenance, data analysis, and regulatory compliance,” says Amit Takte, chief technology officer, DroneAcharya.<\/p>\n
“Moreover, they will gain insights into the various applications of drones in industries like agriculture, surveying, disaster management, and more,” adds Tatke.<\/p>\n
The first batch will consist of 20 persons. This will subsequently be scaled up, owing to a new mandate that enables individuals with any ID and address proof document issued by the government to enrol for this course.<\/p>\n
Candidates with drone-related skills can secure employment that increases their earning potential, while also contributing to the growth of the drone industry.<\/p>\n