The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunition, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (10 Marks,150 Words)

The proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the hands of adversaries poses a grave challenge to national security, particularly along border regions. These agile and discreet aircraft are increasingly utilized for nefarious purposes such as smuggling arms, ammunition, drugs, and other contraband across borders, circumventing traditional security measures. To counter this threat, comprehensive measures are being implemented. Firstly, advanced surveillance technologies including radar systems and drone detection software are being deployed to identify unauthorized UAV activity. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are enhancing coordination and intelligence-sharing to intercept and neutralize UAV threats swiftly. Moreover, legislative frameworks are being revised to regulate UAV ownership and usage, imposing stricter penalties for illegal activities. Furthermore, research and development initiatives focus on developing counter-drone technologies such as signal jamming and interception systems. The integration of these multifaceted approaches aims to safeguard internal security by effectively mitigating the risks posed by adversarial UAV operations.

Answer:     

Introduction:     

“Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), often referred to as drones, are remotely controlled aircraft that have become widely popular and utilised across diverse sectors like agriculture, photography, surveillance, and logistics. However, their growing accessibility has raised concerns about their misuse, both domestically and internationally.” 

Body:     

Threat to Internal Security posed by UAVs:  

1. Arms and Ammunition Delivery: Multiple instances of cross-border drone threats by Pakistan-sponsored terror groups for the delivery of arms, ammunition, and equipment. 
2. Drug Trafficking: UAVs have been employed for drug drops within Indian territory, facilitating the distribution of narcotics to local communities, contributing to social and security challenges.
3. IED Attacks: Terrorist groups near India’s borders have begun to use UAVs for reconnaissance and potentially as delivery systems for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other forms of attack.Ex: Recent utilisation of drones to drop explosives at the Jammu airbase, marking the first such occurrence. 
4. Geopolitical Escalation: Adversaries employ UAVs to breach Indian airspace along border regions, raising concerns about territorial integrity and airspace violations. China has also engaged in drone activity over sections of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 
5. Critical Infrastructure Surveillance: UAVs used for reconnaissance on critical infrastructure, military installations, and sensitive government buildings, posing a threat to national security. 

Measures being taken to tackle this threat:  

1. Anti-Drone Technologies: Drone rules 2021 attempt to regulate the internal movement of drones while incentivizing the indigenous drone manufacturing industry. like the 2022 Republic Day to jam or disable rogue UAVs. 
2. Intelligence Sharing: Collaboration with agencies and friendly nations, including the United States, on intelligence-sharing related to UAV activities. 
3. Legal Framework: DGCA’s guidelines establish a legal framework for UAV operations, with offenders facing imprisonment for offences. 
4. Research and Development: Investment in advanced technologies like “soft kill” measures by DRDO to counter UAV threats effectively. 
5. Training and Capacity Building: Special units in the military and paramilitary forces receive specific training to counter UAV threats. 
6. Collaboration with Tech Companies: Partnerships with companies like Tata and Reliance to develop geo-fencing technologies preventing UAVs from entering sensitive areas. 
7. Community Engagement: Involving border communities in vigilance activities, as seen in Punjab where local farmers report suspicious UAV sightings. 

Issues Faced by These Measures: 

1. Technological Limitations: Challenges in detecting small, low-flying drones, as witnessed in the 2019 Saudi Arabia drone attack. 
2. Coordination Issues: Gaps in coordination between military, intelligence, and local law enforcement, exposed vulnerabilities during the 2016 Pathankot Airbase attack. 
3. False Alarms: Vulnerability to false alarms, as bird movements triggered drone-detection systems in some international airports. 
4. Geographical Challenges: Complex implementation due to India’s diverse geography, as seen in equipment issues during exercises in the Thar Desert. 
5. Cybersecurity: Risks associated with cyber-attacks on anti-drone systems, highlighted by Iran’s 2011 capture of an American UAV. 

Way forward: 

1. Advanced Research: Encourage advanced research with incentives like “Drone Defense X-Prizes” to promote drone detection and neutralisation breakthroughs. 
2. Collaborative Approaches: Establish a “UAV Regulatory Sandbox” for feedback from tech companies, policy experts, and the public to create practical drone regulations. 
3. Industry Regulations: Enforce new laws requiring manufacturers to include standardised “Geo-Fencing” features in UAVs to prevent entry into restricted zones. 
4. Capacity Building: Develop training modules with Machine Learning algorithms for security forces to stay ahead in countering evolving threats. 
5. Ethical Guidelines: Establish an “Drone Ethics Board” comprising ethicists, lawyers, technologists, and community representatives to issue guidelines on ethical UAV use. 
6. Youth Engagement: Organise national hackathons and “Drone Innovation Camps” to encourage innovation and development of anti-drone technologies 

Conclusion:   

Thus, the multifaceted threat to India’s internal security through the illicit use of UAVs requires a proactive, cooperative, and diversified strategy. By embracing these innovative methods, India can not only successfully combat the escalating drone-related security risks but also promote a balanced and responsible adoption of this transformative technology.   

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