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Introduction

Recent attack on the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Jammu was attacked using two low-intensity improvised explosive devices (IEDs) create concern of use of UAV in border areas.  An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that carries no human pilot or passengers. In recent times, the utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones for illicit activities including the smuggling of arms, ammunition, and drugs across borders has emerged as a significant threat to internal security for India, raising a series of challenges for the national security apparatus.

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Use of UAVs by our adversaries across the borders poses serious threat to the internal security as

• Facilitation of Terrorism: There have been instances where UAVs were suspected to drop arms and ammunition in Punjab near the India-Pakistan border, raising alarms about how they could equip militant groups within India.
• Drug Trafficking: Drones have been intercepted for carrying narcotics across the India-Pakistan border, exacerbating the existing drug abuse problem in states like Punjab.
• Surveillance and Espionage: UAVs have been sighted on multiple occasions in Jammu and Kashmir. These aerial vehicles could be used to gather intelligence on troop movement and sensitive installations, echoing espionage risks.
• Safety Hazards: UAVs also pose a risk to civilian aircraft. For example, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport had a scare when a drone was spotted flying dangerously close to a commercial airline in 2017.
• Economic Implications: The economic impact of UAVs ferrying counterfeit goods or smuggling expensive materials could undermine local economies and affect public health, as seen with the illegal transportation of tobacco products in some border areas.
• Psychosocial Impact: The presence of UAVs, especially near conflict zones like the Line of Control in the J&K, increases stress and anxiety among the local population. Reports of drone activities in these regions have led to increased public fear and anxiety over potential attacks.

Measures Taken to Tackle This Threat

• Anti-Drone Technologies: India’s DRDO has been developing anti-drone technologies capable of jamming or disabling rogue UAVs. These were notably deployed during the 2020 Republic Day celebrations in Delhi as a preventive measure.
• Intelligence Sharing: India collaborates with agencies like Interpol and intelligence units from friendly nations to monitor potential UAV threats. For example, India and the United States have held discussions on intelligence sharing concerning UAV activities.
• Legal Framework: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued guidelines that lay down the legal framework for operating UAVs. Offenders can face imprisonment, illustrating the gravity of UAV-related offenses.
• Research and Development: DRDO is investing in cutting-edge technologies such as “soft kill” measures that can disable UAVs electronically without causing collateral damage. This is part of India’s broader initiative to develop indigenous technologies to counter UAV threats.
• Training and Capacity Building: Special units within the military and paramilitary forces are receiving specific training on countering UAV threats. The NSG (National Security Guard) and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) are among them.
• Collaboration with Tech Companies: The Indian government is collaborating with tech companies like Tata and Reliance to develop geo-fencing technologies that prevent UAVs from entering sensitive zones.
• Community Engagement: Border communities are often involved in vigilance activities. Eg: In Punjab, local farmers have been encouraged to report any suspicious UAV sightings, acting as a grassroots-level security measure.

Conclusion

As the illicit use of UAVs by adversaries poses a multifaceted threat to India’s internal security, a forward-looking, collaborative, and multi-pronged strategy remains essential. By adopting these innovative approaches, India can not only effectively counter the growing drone-related security threats but also foster a balanced and responsible use of this transformative technology.