In a report from CNBC TV18, according to a recent tender document issued by the Ministry of Defence of India, the Indian Navy has allocated Rs 490 crore to acquire counter-drone systems. These systems will be deployed on warships such as INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant and at naval bases ashore. The objective is to counter potential threats posed by enemy drones, including those from Pakistan, China, and terrorist organizations.
The Indian Navy possesses two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, and eight warships, destroyers, and frigates. The counter-drone systems will be sourced from Indian vendors. The document specifies that the system should be suitable for installation and operation on ships and operation from onshore establishments (including a mobile variant). It should offer comprehensive 360° coverage using an integrated radar for aerial and surface targets. The radar should demonstrate the capability to detect and track Mini/Microdrones at 5 km or more distances. The system should also be able to counter these drones.
Since the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020, the Navy has utilized two leased SeaGuardian surveillance drones manufactured by General Atomics. Additionally, the government is procuring 31 armed Predator drones (MQ-9B) from the United States, aiming to bolster the capabilities of the Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Navy.
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Post Image- Warships from the Indian Navy docked in Mumbai in 2020 (Image Credit: Adobe Stock by Alexeiy)
