India has ramped up its hunt for counter-drone systems through the emergency procurement procedure. This comes after drones have become the most sought-after source for defensive, offensive military and security options. 

The Ministry of Defence of India issued an Acceptance of Necessity (AON) for 20-vehicle-based and a Request for Proposal (REP) for 200 man-portable drone jammers last week. 

On January 12th, during the customary press conference before the Army Day celebration, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande voiced concerns. The General’s concerns were around the use of drones by adversaries to ferry weapons, ammunition and explosives from across the border in Kashmir, Jammu and Punjab. 

Gen Pande made the following comment, “We have deployed drone jammers and spoofers in these areas. According to reports, their efficacy is good.” 

The systems being searched for will be deployed on the borders with Pakistan and China. Specifically the Line of Control and International Border with Pakistan and along the Line of Actual Control with China. 

Basic System Requirements Identified

On the AON, documents say the vehicle-based drone jammer “should provide Multi Sensor based (at least two sensors) complete and comprehensive solution with regards to UAS/Drone and SWARMS.” 

“The system should be capable of UAS/Drones/SWARMS detection, tracking, designation & neutralization of swarm/drones/UAS approaching simultaneously from multiple directions… It should integrate all detection sensors and identify threats to provide [sic] operator with a composite air situation pictures [sic] and facilitate selection and management of responses for countering UAS/Drone, using jammer systems,” the document added. 

The defence ministry document indicates the platform should be capable of detecting and jamming all types of drones and quadcopters in field conditions. 

The system will include Radio Frequency (RF) and other sensors for target detection and engagement. Inputs of all sensors should be integrated into a single C2 (Command and Control) system for efficient operation. 

Detection (target acquisition and identification) should have a minimum range of 5km, and the countermeasures (jamming) should have at least 2 km of effective range. 

The platform should be suitable for employment in high-altitude areas that can operate in temperatures that range from -10 to +45 degrees Celsius (14 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit). 

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