How IETMs and CBTs Revolutionized Training and Operational Efficiency in the Indian Armed Forces
Indiaâs defence ecosystem is one of the most complex in the world, with thousands of platforms and systems spanning land, air, and sea.
Each weapon system or platform whether itâs a frigate, radar, missile, or armored vehicle comprises hundreds of subsystems, developed by different Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Historically, these systems came with voluminous printed manuals and classroom-based training modules, often exceeding tens of thousands of pages.
While this served its purpose decades ago, it created several challenges in a modern operational environment:
Difficulty in finding correct procedures or fault isolation steps.
Non-standard documentation formats across OEMs.
Limited hands-on training exposure for technicians.
Inefficiencies in updating and managing documentation after modifications or upgrades.
Dependence on OEM engineers for even minor maintenance guidance.
Recognizing these issues, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) initiated a Digital Documentation and Training Modernization Program, introducing Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) and Computer Based Training (CBTs) as mandatory deliverables under the JSG 0852 Indian Defence Standard.
To enhance the Indian Armed Forcesâ training and maintenance capabilities by introducing:
Standardized, interactive digital documentation (IETMs)
Self-paced, visual, simulation-based training modules (CBTs)
Integration across all defence OEMs through a unified digital standard
Reduction in human error, downtime, and learning curve for complex systems
1. Development of JSG 0852-Compliant IETMs
All OEMs involved in defence production including BEL, BDL, HAL, L&T, GRSE, MDL, GSL, and private vendors were instructed by DGQA to submit documentation in Level 4 IETM format. These IETMs were database driven, built with hyperlinked content, interactive schematics, searchable procedures, and Illustrated Parts Catalogues (IPC).
Operation and Maintenance Manuals
Fault Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Flowcharts
Preventive Maintenance Schedules
Installation and Commissioning Procedures
Spare Parts and Tools Lists
These digital manuals were then integrated into ship-level or system-level servers, accessible through secure onboard networks.
2. Creation of Computer Based Training (CBT) Modules
Parallel to documentation digitization, CBT modules were developed for each system, combining:
Step-by-step operation visuals
Interactive quizzes and assessments
Voice-over explanations in English and Hindi
These CBTs became the foundation for e-learning-based training in:
Naval Training Establishments (INS Valsura, INS Shivaji, INS Agrani)
Army EME Schools (Secunderabad, Vadodara)
Air Force Technical Training Institutes (Jalahalli, Tambaram)
1. Enhanced Training Efficiency
With CBTs, training institutes transitioned from theory-heavy classroom sessions to interactive digital learning.
Trainees could now visualize complex mechanical and electronic systems through realistic animations.
Example: At INS, where marine engineers are trained, the introduction of CBTs for propulsion and auxiliary systems reduced the training time many. Trainees reported higher retention of concepts due to visual simulation-based understanding.
2. Improved Maintenance Readiness
Earlier, maintainers relied on printed manuals that were cumbersome and time-consuming.
IETMs changed this by providing:
Step-by-step repair procedures
Example: During the commissioning of Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels built by Shipyard , onboard engineers used integrated IETMs to diagnose and rectify propulsion faults within minutes tasks that earlier took hours using printed documentation.
3. Standardization Across OEMs
Different OEMs previously used their own formats, causing inconsistencies in documentation.
JSG 0852 made it mandatory for all vendors to deliver in a standardized, interoperable structure, ensuring:
Smooth integration into Ship-level IETM servers
Uniform user interface and navigation experience for crew
Simplified document management for the Indian Navyâs Technical Documentation Centres
Example: In the Shipyard Project , IETMs from multiple OEMs weapons, sensors, power, and auxiliary systems were successfully integrated into a single ship-level IETM environment.
4. Reduced Downtime and Faster Decision Making
The availability of interactive troubleshooting guides enabled the crew to perform self-diagnosis and minor repairs independently.
Example: In missile maintenance depots, IETM based troubleshooting reduced fault isolation time by up to 50%, enhancing missile system availability.
5. Continuous Lifecycle Support
System upgrades and refits no longer require complete manual rewrites. OEMs can issue digital revisions, and maintainers receive updated modules instantly.
Full configuration control
Long-term cost savings in documentation management
6. Paperless Defence Ecosystem
By replacing thousands of pages of technical manuals with secure digital databases, the Armed Forces achieved:
Faster information retrieval
Eco-friendly documentation practice
Alignment with Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives
High due to manual lookup
Documentation Update Time
Long during fault diagnosis
Knowledge Retention (Training)
The implementation of IETMs and CBTs has revolutionized the Indian Armed Forcesâ training and operational ecosystem.
From the shipyards to missile facilities of DRDO , digital documentation and learning systems have created a connected, standardized, and knowledge-driven defence infrastructure.
These tools not only enhanced efficiency but also aligned Indiaâs defence capability with global digital standards, making our Armed Forces more agile, self-reliant, and future-ready.
âWith IETMs and CBTs, the Indian Defence has transitioned from paper manuals to intelligent, interactive systems that think, learn, and evolve with every platform empowering every sailor, airman, and soldier with instant access to mission critical knowledge.â
â Code and Pixels Interactive Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
