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

Threat

Small, low-cost drones evade conventional surveillance and can deliver weapons, narcotics, cash or explosives across difficult terrain, enabling deniable proxy operations.

Measures

• Counter-UAS systems combine radar, electro-optical sensors, radio-frequency detection, jamming, spoofing and hard-kill interception.
• BSF and other forces use anti-drone deployments, night surveillance, patrols, intelligence-led interdiction and forensic exploitation of recovered drones.
• Integrated border fencing, floodlighting, command networks and coordination with State police disrupt the last-mile supply chain.
• DGCA rules, registration and geofencing improve regulation of civilian drones.

Way forward

Build layered, interoperable systems; clarify rules of engagement; share real-time data; secure critical infrastructure and develop indigenous, affordable detection technologies.

Keywords

counter-UAS; jamming; spoofing; layered surveillance; proxy warfare