Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, today marked a significant milestone in its partnership with the Indian Army by handing over the innovative Rooster Drone technology to the Northern Command. The partnership aims to achieve the mission of RRU as CoE in the field of national security and defence management with advance research and emerging technologies, as stated by the Hon'ble PM. The momentous event took place in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr) Bimal N. Patel, and Brigadier Prashant Bajpai from the Northern Command.

RRU, a pioneering National Security and Police University, has long been dedicated to understanding the specific needs of India's Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State Police, leading to groundbreaking research and proactive collaborations that enhance national security policy-making.

The collaboration between RRU and the Indian Army has been progressing since the signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 9, 2021. This MoU encompasses a wide range of opportunities for developing certificate, diploma, and degree programs tailored for professional military education, as well as collaborating on research and capacity-building activities. RRU's status as an Institution of National Importance grants it the academic autonomy to accredit existing training courses in the Services and create customized training programs for serving personnel and veterans.

The journey to make the Rooster Drone technology available to the Indian Army, particularly the Northern Command, began during a visit by Gen MM Naravane, the former Chief of Army Staff, in April 2022. The Rooster Drone is an innovative combination of technologies that allows it to operate as a standard rotary wing drone and a loitering robot on the ground, enhancing its versatility.

At this historic event, RRU officially handed over the Rooster Drone set to the Northern Command. Notably, this acquisition was made possible in partnership with M/S Brane Services, based in Hyderabad, which executed the project under the "Make in India" initiative. The product, both its hardware and software, being locally manufactured aligns with the "Vocal for Local" vision promoted by Hon’ble Prime Minister. The source code for the product underwent multiple revisions in collaboration with the School of Internal Security, Defence and Strategic Studies (SISDSS) and Brane Services Development Team, reflecting the commitment to quality and precision.

The Rooster Drone is expected to excel in operational environments, even under rigorous and harsh conditions. Its success will lie in its ability to enhance the efficiency of ground operations while minimizing casualties. Continuous interaction between the Northern Command, RRU, and the Development Team of M/S Brane Services will refine the drone's operating parameters, leading to even better iterations in the future. RRU has also requested the Development Team to incorporate AI-driven autonomous flying capabilities, facial recognition software for improved target identification, stealth capabilities by reducing sound levels, cross-country mobility enhancement through tracks instead of wheels, and an extended battery life.

Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr) Bimal N. Patel expressed RRU's commitment to enhancing the national security apparatus in collaboration with the Indian Army. He anticipates that this event signifies the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.

The future holds exciting possibilities for RRU and the Indian Army, and this handover of the Rooster Drone set marks the start of a promising collaboration aimed at safeguarding the nation's security.

CB/GP/JD

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