A state-of-the-art Integrated Drone Training and Virtual Reality Observation Post Laboratory has been set up at an altitude of about 15,000 ft in Ladakh by the Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps has unveiled.
The facility integrates advanced drone training nodes with immersive virtual reality simulators for the Infantry and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) mortar fire controllers and artillery observation post officers, according to a statement issued by the Corps.
Through joint training, participants enhance surveillance, target acquisition, fire direction and precision engagement skills, finally culminating in live firing exercises using the Artillery Trainer module.
Stating that the new laboratory marks a significant step towards building future-ready warfighting capabilities in high-altitude terrain, the Army said that harnessing innovation and technology to sharpen operational effectiveness, the initiative reinforces its commitment towards capability enhancement and battlefield preparedness.
Drones have become a critical element in the Armed Forces for multiple tasks such as attack, surveillance, electronic warfare and logistics support, with all three services employing a wide variety of unmanned aerial systems.
In remote and rugged areas such as that in Ladakh and the northeast, where physical movement can be difficult because of the terrain and weather drones are a force multiplier for routine missions such are border surveillance, conducting recce and ferrying supplies to forward positions.
Alongside, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and virtual reality are gaining increasing prominence in decision support and execution of operations. The Army has an expansive in-house programme for fabricating drones as well as developing AI systems, besides undertaking design and development projects with the industry.
Just last month, Chief of the Army Staff, Gen Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the functioning of Directorate General of Information Systems (DGIS) in the domains of digitalisation, AI, systems integration and technology-enabled transformation within the Army.
He also inaugurated Systems Integration and Test Facility (SITF), established for the development, testing and validation of Command Information and Decision Support System and launched six new-generation applications aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, logistics integration, structured data generation and digitised administrative processes across the Army.
