Drone Awareness Programme for Veterans Builds Tech Confidence
Golden Katar Division successfully conducted a comprehensive Drone Awareness Outreach Programme for veterans from 17 to 19 December 2025, with an overwhelming participation of 300 Ex-Servicemen. The initiative was aimed at empowering veterans with updated knowledge on rapidly evolving drone technologies, their applications, associated security concerns, and safe handling practices. The programme comes at a time when unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming more common in both civilian life and defence operations, making awareness and understanding essential for all sections of society, especially those with military experience.
Dedicated awareness camps were established within the military station, where modern surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics and counter-drone systems were showcased. These camps reflected how drone technology has shifted from being a specialised military tool to a widely used system across sectors. In recent years, drones have been increasingly used for mapping, monitoring infrastructure, delivering supplies and supporting emergency services. By displaying advanced systems in a controlled environment, the programme helped veterans understand how such technologies are developed, tested and deployed responsibly.
Veterans were briefed on various categories of drones, fundamentals of flying, operational capabilities, legal frameworks governing drone usage in India, and emerging trends in the unmanned aerial ecosystem. With India witnessing a rapid rise in commercial and recreational drone use, understanding regulations has become vital. The country has introduced clear rules on registration, no-fly zones and operational limits to prevent accidents and misuse. These briefings helped participants stay informed about what is permitted and what remains restricted, especially near sensitive locations.
Special emphasis was laid on national security aspects, highlighting the role of drones in modern warfare, border surveillance, disaster response, humanitarian support and civilian applications. Globally, recent conflicts have shown how drones can change the nature of warfare by providing real-time information and precision support. At the same time, they have also raised concerns around unauthorised surveillance and hostile activities. Veterans, with their operational background, were able to relate these discussions to real-world scenarios, making the sessions both practical and relevant.
Hands-on demonstrations enabled participants to closely observe drone design, functioning, payload integration and safety mechanisms. Seeing the internal components and control systems up close helped demystify the technology. Such demonstrations are known to improve understanding, especially among those who may not have previously interacted with modern UAVs. Safety features, including fail-safe systems and controlled landing mechanisms, were explained to underline the importance of responsible operation.
Experts shared insights on recognising potential aerial threats, reporting procedures, precautions to avoid misuse, and responsible use of UAV technology in civil life. With drones becoming more accessible, the risk of misuse, whether intentional or accidental, has also grown. Veterans were guided on how to identify unusual drone activity and the correct channels for reporting it. This knowledge is especially valuable as ex-servicemen often remain active in their communities and can act as informed first responders.
The programme also served as an important platform to strengthen bonds with the veteran fraternity, acknowledging their continued contribution as responsible national stakeholders. Ex-servicemen carry a strong sense of duty even after retirement, and initiatives like this recognise their role in maintaining awareness and vigilance. Such engagement helps bridge the gap between serving units and veterans, ensuring continued mutual trust and respect.
The initiative reflected the commitment towards capacity building, awareness generation and community engagement, ensuring that our veterans remain informed, vigilant and technologically aware in today’s dynamic security environment. As technology evolves rapidly, regular updates and outreach become essential to prevent knowledge gaps. This programme demonstrated how structured awareness efforts can empower individuals to adapt to change without feeling left behind.
The enthusiastic response, interactive discussions and keen interest of the Ex-Servicemen made the outreach a great success, reinforcing trust, confidence and continued association with the Armed Forces community. Many participants actively engaged with experts, shared their experiences and asked practical questions, showing a strong desire to learn and stay connected. The programme stands as an example of how education, respect for experience and modern knowledge can come together to strengthen national preparedness and community responsibility.
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