- The Border Security Force has launched its first all-women drone unit, ‘Durga Drone Squadron’
- The initiative brings together active women with advanced drone technology
- Training is being held at the School of Drone Warfare (SDW) within the BSF Academy, Gwalior
The Border Security Force has raised its first all-women drone unit, christened the 'Durga Drone Squadron,' in its history.
This initiative to integrate women into advanced drone technology is being rolled out at the School of Drone Warfare within BSF Academy, Gwalior.
The specialized training program is being conducted under the leadership of BSF DG Daljit Singh Chaudhary, IPS and the guidance of Dr. Shamsher Singh, IPS, ADG and Director, BSF Academy.
The training currently provided to the Durga Drone Squadron ranges from drone surveillance and intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and counter-drone measures.
Equipping women personnel with technical know-how, the programme will assist the armed forces in undertaking border management tasks, anti-infiltration, disaster response, and other critical tasks.
The trainees are also being trained in operating and maintaining drones, undertaking search and rescue operations, and managing the cross-border drone threat through electronic detection and neutralisation systems.
According to officials, the new unit would be able to contribute to the consolidation of a "smart border security framework" by integrating technology with tactical intelligence.
The move is likely to boost surveillance efficiency and self-reliance among women personnel in varied situations. It also encourages data-driven decision-making whereby personnel can scan real-time visuals for actionable intelligence.
Once operational, the Durga Drone Squadron will help expand surveillance capabilities along India's international borders.
The School of Drone Warfare was established at BSF Academy Gwalior, which is the prime training hub of the BSF for drone technology, offering courses like the Drone Commando, Drone Warrior, and Drone Orientation Courses for personnel across the country.
The BSF thus intends to develop a new generation of officers technologically capable and prepared for modern challenges in border security, anti-smuggling efforts, and rapid response operations through such programs.
The Durga Drone Squadron could be seen as an important step toward women's empowerment within the security forces; it also underlines that technology and skill-based expertise are gaining momentum in defense operations.
