Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have emerged as a dual-use technology with significant implications for internal security. While offering benefits in areas like agriculture and disaster management, their misuse by non-state actors and adversaries poses a growing threat to India’s borders and internal stability. Recent incidents of drones being used to smuggle arms across the India-Pakistan border in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, and the increasing instances of drone sightings near sensitive installations, highlight the urgency of addressing this challenge. The ease of availability, relatively low cost, and difficulty in detection make UAVs a preferred tool for nefarious activities, necessitating a multi-pronged approach to mitigate the risks.
Threat Landscape
The primary threats posed by adversary UAVs include:
- Arms and Ammunition Smuggling: Drones are increasingly used to deliver weapons and ammunition to terrorist organizations and insurgent groups.
- Drug Trafficking: The clandestine nature of drone operations makes them ideal for smuggling narcotics.
- Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Adversaries can use drones for gathering intelligence on security installations and troop movements.
- Potential for Terrorist Attacks: Drones can be weaponized to carry explosives and launch attacks on critical infrastructure.
Measures Being Taken
1. Technological Countermeasures
India is investing in a range of technologies to detect, identify, and neutralize hostile drones:
- Drone Detection Systems (DDS): These systems utilize radar, radio frequency (RF) sensors, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, and acoustic sensors to detect drones. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed DDS capable of detecting drones up to 3 km.
- Counter-Drone Technology: This includes:
- Jamming Systems: Disrupting the communication link between the drone and its operator.
- Directed Energy Weapons (DEW): Using lasers or high-powered microwaves to disable drones.
- Net Guns: Capturing drones using nets.
- Anti-Drone Guns: Disrupting drone control signals.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI/ML algorithms are being used to analyze data from DDS and identify suspicious drone activity.
2. Operational Measures
Several operational measures are being implemented to counter the drone threat:
- Enhanced Border Surveillance: Strengthening border security with increased patrolling, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
- Coordination between Agencies: Improved coordination between the Border Security Force (BSF), the Army, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and state police forces.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Developing and implementing SOPs for responding to drone threats.
- Training and Capacity Building: Training security personnel on drone detection, identification, and neutralization techniques.
3. Legal and Regulatory Framework
The Indian government has taken steps to regulate the use of drones and address the security concerns:
- Drone Rules, 2021: These rules provide a framework for the safe and secure operation of drones in India. They categorize drones based on weight and specify requirements for registration, licensing, and operation.
- Digital Sky Platform: A web-based platform for registering drones, obtaining permits, and tracking drone operations.
- National Counter Rogue Drone Strategy: A comprehensive strategy is being developed to address the growing threat of rogue drones.
4. Indigenous Development
The government is promoting indigenous development of counter-drone technology through initiatives like the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) program, encouraging startups and MSMEs to develop innovative solutions.
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| BSF | Border surveillance and countering drone activity along the borders. |
| DRDO | Development of DDS and counter-drone technologies. |
| IB | Intelligence gathering and analysis. |
| State Police | Maintaining law and order and responding to drone threats within their jurisdiction. |
Conclusion
The use of UAVs by adversaries presents a significant and evolving threat to India’s internal security. While the government is taking proactive measures to counter this threat through technological advancements, operational enhancements, and a robust legal framework, continuous innovation and adaptation are crucial. Strengthening international cooperation to share best practices and address the global challenge of rogue drones is also essential. A holistic and integrated approach, combining technology, intelligence, and effective law enforcement, is vital to safeguard India’s security interests in the face of this emerging threat.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.