Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Begin with a brief introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
• Mention the causes of concern associated with UAVs and also mention the measures taken by Indian government to tackle threats.
• Conclude with a solution based approach.

Introduction

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a “remotely piloted or self-piloted aircraft that can carry cameras, sensors, communications equipment or other payloads like arms/ammunitions, drugs. It can be used by our adversaries across the border and can be a serious threat to internal security.

Body

Cause of concern

• They can fly at high altitudes and low speeds making it difficult for border security forces to detect and intercept them.
• They can be remotely controlled and flown from a safe distance, reducing the risk to human operatives engaging in infiltration attempts.
• Drones can also be used for espionage purposes, allowing unauthorized individuals to gather sensitive information about military installations, critical infrastructure, and other key targets.

Measures taken by Indian government to tackle threats

• Technological Upgradation: Deployment of anti-drone weapons, detection systems like radars, jammers, e.g., anti-drone systems like the SkyWall 100 and the DroneGun Tactical CHIMERA anti-drone system, developed using French technology.
• Military Intelligence: The BSF conducts round-the-clock surveillance through patrolling, checkpoints, and observation posts, erected a border fence and installed floodlights.
• Institutional: MHA has established Anti Rogue Drone Technology Committee (ARDTC) to evaluate the technology available to counter rogue drones.
• Governmental Collaboration: Active collaboration with countries like Israel for high end drones.
• DRDO Nishant: Primarily designed for intelligence-gathering over enemy territory, it is also used for reconnaissance, training, surveillance, target designation, artillery fire correction, and damage assessment.
• Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) strategy: It includes blocking communication lines and bringing down unwanted drones.

Conclusion

With the emergence of technology comes the threat to internal security. Therefore, a comprehensive drone strategy that includes private participation for developing high end drones is the need of an hour.