M. Tech. in Drone and Anti-Drone Technologies (DADT)

Over the past two to three decades, Drone technologies have rapidly advanced and established themselves as transformative tools across a wide range of military and civilian applications. These include precision aerial strikes, logistics and package delivery, agricultural monitoring and spraying, surveillance in both urban and remote settings, support for disaster relief and search-and-rescue operations, as well as aerial imaging and videography for public gatherings, infrastructure inspection, and sporting or cultural events. The adaptability and versatility of drones have led to their widespread adoption across government agencies, industries, and research institutions, creating a thriving ecosystem of innovation and deployment. However, the increasing ubiquity of drones has also introduced new security challenges, necessitating the parallel development of robust Anti-Drone Technologies. These systems are essential for safeguarding sensitive infrastructures, ensuring airspace security, and preventing the misuse of drones for malicious purposes such as unauthorized surveillance, smuggling, or attacks. As drones become more accessible and autonomous, the need for effective detection, tracking, identification, and neutralization systems has become a national priority.

In this context, it is important to note that the development of Drone and Anti-Drone Technologies is a multidisciplinary activity that needs high technology inputs from many different disciplines, e.g., aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and, in addition, needs specialist manpower trained to handle the complex multidisciplinary tasks involved in the design, development, and deployment of Drone and Anti-Drone Technologies. In light of the above need and also in view of the fact that currently, only a scope-limited UAV program is being offered as a micro-specialization of M. Tech. (RMS) Under IDRD-RMS, the mechanical engineering department at IIT Jodhpur has recognized this important need and is proposing to start a new M.Tech program in ‘Drone and Anti-Drone Technologies’ from the academic year 2025-2026. This program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to contribute meaningfully to this rapidly evolving and strategically important domain.

Objectives of the Program

The objectives of the program are;

1. Impart system-level understanding of drone technologies, including basic design concepts and functional & operational requirements.
2. Introduce system-level concepts covering sensing, detection, tracking, and neutralization techniques integral to counter-drone technologies.
3. Deliver foundational knowledge in flight dynamics & control, navigation & guidance is essential for the design and operation of drone systems.
4. Enable students to specialize in one of the key subsystems, Aero-structural Mechanics and Propulsion, Avionics and Control, or Counter-Drone Systems—through focused elective courses.

Graduate Attributes

1. Graduates will demonstrate a solid understanding of concepts, including aerodynamics, flight dynamics & control, navigation & guidance as applied to the design and development of drone systems.
2. Graduates will be able to approach problems from a systems perspective, understanding how various subsystems—propulsion, avionics, control, sensing, and tracking—interact in drone and counter-drone platforms.
3. Graduates have the option to develop advanced technical expertise in a chosen specialization area: Aero-Structural Mechanics and Propulsion, Avionics and Control, or Counter-Drone Systems, enabling deep domain knowledge and capability to lead subsystem development.

Learning Outcomes:

Students are expected to gain:

1. Comprehensive understanding of the physical principles and engineering concepts underpinning the design and operation of both drone and anti-drone systems.
2. Capability to evaluate subsystem performance and design trade-offs within a chosen specialization, grounded in a solid core understanding of system-level interactions.
3. Ability to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge to develop Drone solutions aligned with specific mission requirements and counter-threat scenarios
4. Students are expected to engage in hands-on laboratory work, simulations, and projects to apply theoretical knowledge to realistic Drone configurations.
5. Prepare themselves for industry-relevant roles in companies, research institutions, government agencies, and academia that deal with different aspects of Drone and Anti-Drone Technologies.

There are four modes of admission in M.Tech. Program:

1. Regular with fellowship
2. Industry-Sponsored
3. Self-Sponsored
4. Part-Time

The details of eligibility can be accessed [Link] https://iitj.ac.in/admission-postgraduate-programs/en/advertisements

M.Tech students getting admission in regular mode are provided with an assistantship of Rs. 12400 per month as per the MHRD rules.