Indonesian Navy Marines hone drone skills to strengthen missions

Personnel from the Indonesian Navy’s 1st Marine Communications and Electronics Battalion (Yonkomlek 1 Mar) have undertaken technical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) training to sharpen their drone operation skills. The exercise took place at the Yonkomlek 1 headquarters in the Hartono Marine Complex, Cilandak, South Jakarta, on Tuesday. Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel (Mar) Bernardus Yudi Ari Wibowo stated that drone operation capabilities are essential for personnel to carry out various missions, ranging from reconnaissance to aerial information gathering. “Personnel are expected to master every aspect of the material, enhance their skills and professionalism so that in the future they can optimally support the successful execution of every Marine Corps task,” Bernardus said. He explained that the technical UAV training began with classroom instruction covering operating procedures, types of supporting drone equipment, and maintenance. Afterwards, the personnel participated in practical outdoor flight training. During the outdoor session, personnel operated drones using first-person view (FPV) technology. This method allows operators to see the drone’s flight direction through a specially mounted camera. Throughout the hands-on training, personnel practised their skills in controlling drones with various manoeuvres. The entire training sequence proceeded safely as it adhered to applicable security standards. With this capability, Bernardus hopes his personnel’s drone piloting skills will be further refined.