The use of drones to smuggle weapons and drugs into India continues to be a significant problem along its borders, especially the Indo-Pak border. ETV Bharat reported via sources from the Border Security Force (BSF) that over 90 drones were destroyed in 2023, with numerous more captured.
With the increasing threat the drones pose to Indian security, the BSF is deploying indigenous counter-unmanned aircraft systems (counter-UAS) along the country’s western border in the next six months in response to the cross-border drug and weapons smuggling threat.
“At present, BSF is alert, and working to destroy the drones coming from across the border by firing at them. As soon as a drone is seen flying from across the border, the officers immediately give orders to fire on the drone after which several rounds are fired at the drone,” said BSF DIG Yogendra Singh. Singh continued, “We have installed and developed anti-drone systems at many places. Along with this, we are also using weapons in many ways to deal with drones coming from across the border.”
Three companies with counter-UAS technology are believed to be testing systems along the Indo-Pak border. According to sources, “Soon one or a combination of these designs will be selected and deployed on India’s western border. Anti-drone technology will keep an eye on any unidentified UAVs around the clock and shoot them down within a few seconds. It will also alert security forces about drone movement.”
Indian Navy Deploys Warships for Anti-Drone and Piracy Operations
In a strategic move to bolster maritime security, the Chief of the Indian Navy, Admiral R Hari Kumar, has announced the deployment of six warships for anti-piracy and anti-drone operations. This initiative is part of a broader plan that involves additional warships to address challenges in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Admiral Kumar told news agency ANI, “Indian Navy has deployed six warships in the anti-piracy and anti-drone operations. The number is going to go up further. A proposal has been submitted to the government in this regard, and clearance is expected shortly.”
Highlighting the Navy’s readiness, he underscored the existing anti-drone capabilities, saying, “Some warships are already equipped with it, and we are working on the induction of these capabilities in others.” The anti-drone measures encompass GPS jammers, surface-to-air missile systems, and laser devices.
Admiral Kumar also discussed the successful operation to rescue 15 Indians from the hijacked vessel MV Lili Norfolk in the Arabian Sea. He emphasized the Navy’s commitment to bringing back countrymen in distress, irrespective of the vessel’s flag, citing similar actions in Sudan and Ukraine to ANI.
See Also-
Indian Navy to Buy Counter-Drone Systems for Regional Threats
India to Protect G20 Summit with Counter-Drone Resources
Future of Warfare: Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Post Image- Indian Navy Dehli Class Destroyer Mysore (D60) in Kanagawa, Japan, April 2007 (Image Credit: Adobe Stock by zapper)
