SOURCE: AFI
The 39 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC) in Varanasi, under the aegis of Surya Command, conducted a pioneering 3D Printing and First-Person View (FPV) Drone Development Course, marking a significant step in integrating cutting-edge technology into military training. The course, highlighted in a recent post by @suryacommand on X, created an unparalleled learning environment through a fusion of technology and rigorous training, empowering soldiers with hands-on skills in emerging fields. Participants successfully built and operated a fully functional live FPV drone, honing critical expertise in drone assembly, programming, and real-time flight control.
The 39 Gorkha Training Centre, a historic institution established to train recruits for the 3rd and 9th Gorkha Rifles, has long been a cornerstone of military excellence in India. Known for transforming raw recruits from Nepal and India into disciplined soldiers over 42-week programs, the Centre has recently embraced modern technology to prepare soldiers for evolving battlefield challenges. Building on the establishment of a state-of-the-art 3D Printing Lab in February 2025, the 3D Printing and FPV Drone Development Course represents a forward-thinking approach to military training.
The course focused on practical, hands-on learning, enabling soldiers to design, assemble, and operate FPV drones—unmanned aerial vehicles controlled through a first-person perspective using live video feeds. Participants mastered drone assembly, from 3D printing components to integrating electronics, and gained proficiency in programming flight systems and executing real-time flight control. The successful operation of a fully functional FPV drone by trainees underscored the program’s effectiveness in developing technical skills critical for modern warfare, where drones play an increasingly vital role in reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical operations.
The fusion of 3D printing and FPV drone technology created a dynamic learning environment that empowered soldiers to innovate on the ground. By leveraging 3D printing, participants could rapidly prototype drone parts, fostering creativity and problem-solving under the constraints of military timelines. The course also emphasized programming and flight control, equipping soldiers with the ability to adapt drones for diverse missions, from intelligence gathering to battlefield support.
This initiative aligns with the Indian Army’s broader vision of technological empowerment, as seen in recent efforts to integrate emerging technologies into military applications. The 39 GTC’s focus on FPV drones reflects the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern conflicts, where precision, speed, and situational awareness are paramount. By training soldiers in these skills, the Centre is fostering a culture of technical excellence and self-reliance, reducing dependency on foreign technology and enhancing indigenous innovation—a key tenet of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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