Drones, often referred to as Unmanned Aircraft (UA) in technical terms, are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern society. These remote or autonomous aircraft come in a variety of types, including Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Autonomous Aircraft, and Model Aircraft. Apart from their notorious usage in combat, drones serve various benign purposes. They aid in package delivery, are used in agriculture for tasks like spraying pesticides, assist in environmental monitoring, contribute to aerial photography, and play an essential role in search and relief operations.
Drone Attacks and Associated Concerns
The use of drones as a mean of attack has been on the rise, particularly by Pakistan-based groups smuggling arms, ammunition, and drugs into Indian territory. As these unmanned vehicles fly low, they escape radar detection. In 2019 alone, there were 167 recorded drone sightings along the border with Pakistan, followed by 77 sightings in 2020.
Drones are gradually transforming into security threats, especially in conflict zones where non-state actors have easy access to this technology. The most alarming aspect is the potential use of drones to deliver weapons of mass destruction (WMD). WMDs are infamous for their immense destructive power that they pose a severe threat even when merely possessed by hostile entities.
The Increasing Prevalence of Drone Attacks
Several factors contribute to the escalating frequency of drone attacks. The first is the cost-effectiveness of drones. Compared to conventional weapons, drones are relatively cheaper but can cause equally, if not more, significant damage. Secondly, drones’ remote controllability ensures that the attacking side isn’t directly endangered in combat scenarios. Lastly, drones’ ease of procurement and operation contribute to their growing appeal in warfare.
Given the demonstrated damage potential of drone technology, it becomes crucial for nations to equip their forces with anti-drone combat technologies.
Rules for Drone Regulation in India
India has established a set of regulations to control drone usage. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2020 governs the production, import, trade, ownership, and operation of drones within its borders. There are also guidelines specifically designed to counter rogue drones, such as the National Counter Rogue Drones Guidelines 2019.
These rules call for implementing various measures, including primary and passive detection means like radar, Radio Frequency (RF) detectors, electro-optical, infrared cameras, RF jammers, Global Positioning System (GPS) spoofers, lasers, and drone-catching nets at locations of critical national importance.
Other Initiatives Against Drones
To counter the threat posed by drones, India has its anti-drone Directed-Energy Weapon (DEW) system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It uses a 10-kilowatt laser to target aerial threats from a distance of up to 2 kilometers. A compact tripod-mounted version with a 2-kilowatt laser for a 1-kilometer range has also been developed.
Additionally, limited numbers of systems like the Israeli ‘Smash-2000 Plus’ computerized fire control and electro-optic sights are being imported. These can be mounted on guns and rifles to neutralize small hostile drones in both day and night conditions.
Way Forward
In light of recent drone attacks, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is considering making existing regulations for unmanned aircraft systems more stringent. Current drone rules provide adequate information about drones from manufacturing or importing to end users. However, tightened regulations are necessary to deter the misuse of rogue drones.