BiH Armed Forces complete first drone operator training program

With the completion of this training, the AFBiH have gained the capability to train drone operators independently, marking an important step in developing their intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition (ISTAR) capabilities, as well as further expanding their use of unmanned systems. The training was conducted as part of NATO's Defence Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI).

During the program, participants acquired theoretical and practical knowledge of operating unmanned systems, mission planning and execution, sensor operation, safety procedures and mission analysis.

Part of the training was conducted using the RAPAS simulator, which enables safe and standardized training in a range of operational scenarios.

The RAPAS simulator and COMET systems will remain the property of the AFBiH and will serve as the basis for further developing this capability and training new generations of Armed Forces personnel.

Following the completion of subsequent training phases, the AFBiH will have its own instructors qualified to operate these systems. This will enable future drone operators to be trained by instructors from within the Armed Forces, ensuring the continuous transfer of knowledge and the long-term maintenance of the capabilities developed.

With this step, the AFBiH are continuing their modernization efforts, strengthening interoperability and developing capabilities to provide more effective support for command and control, decision-making and the performance of their legally mandated tasks, the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina said.