Indian Army to launch MTech programme in defence technology in IIT Ropar

On Friday, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar signed a memorandum of agreement with the Indian Army to launch a Master of Technology (MTech) programme in defence technology.

The programme, mainly for officers of the Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S), is a collaboration between the institute and the Army to promote education and research in defence technology, IIT Ropar said in a statement.

According to the statement, the MTech (Defence Technology) programme has been developed in partnership by ACC&S and IIT Ropar to make academic training in line with military needs.

The focus of the curriculum will be on applied learning, hands- on research and innovation, driven problem solving so that the officers are well prepared for technology, and lead roles in the armed forces.

IIT Ropar Director Rajeev Ahuja highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership and stated that the collaboration represents a paradigm shift in how India approaches defence technology education.

"Combining the intellectual rigour of IIT Ropar and the Indian Army's operational excellence, we are forming a unique model that will generate defence technology leaders who can lead India to self- reliance in critical defence sectors. This is our contribution to Viksit Bharat 2047, " Ahuja said.

The officers will be given a degree from the institute once they have successfully completed the programme.

This credential will empower them to lead technology modernisation efforts in the armoured formations area and thus make a major contribution to indigenisation of defence manufacturing, a resultant effect of their competent technological leadership.

The memorandum of agreement introduces a wide framework for cooperative research and development undertaking, which aims at solving the major technological problems in the defence sector of India, IIT Ropar said in its press release.

Moreover, the partnership relates to several key areas of focus like joint research and development initiatives, next generation armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) technologies, advanced armament and new materials, besides the armoured platforms technologies.