Sansad TV: The Defenders- Drone Tech in Indian Armed Forces | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Drones in Warfare

Drones currently have unmatched scouting abilities and can precisely locate a target. The use of weaponized drones and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) is a well-established strategy in warfare. These drones can secretly enter enemy airspace with explosives or missiles. An armed drone equipped with advanced navigation and a day/night sensor is a potent weapon against foes. Drone usage in warfare has already affected Communication and Transmission Security policies. Drones now incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) due to advancements in edge computing. The rapid growth of drone swarms coupled with AI is significant. India is progressing toward future warfare with domestic support, though challenges persist. Local manufacturing, especially by drone component MSMEs, is crucial for success.

Military Vs Commercial Drone Technology

The government has taken quick steps to nurture the indigenous drone industry. Measures include Drone Rules 2021, Drone Airspace Map, Drone PLI scheme, National Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) policy framework, 2022 Drone certification scheme, and DigitalSky Platform. In 2022, imports of drones were halted to promote 'Made-in-India' efforts. Some exceptions allowed imports for R&D, defense, and security after clearances. Drone component imports were permitted due to limited local manufacturers. Fostering niche component production could propel the indigenous drone industry further. Indian Armed Forces want dependable indigenous drones, addressing military-grade airframes and controllers. They aim for indigenous solutions meeting MIL standards.

Drones as Tools of Terror

The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) released a report in February 2021 titled "The Role of Drones in Future Terrorist Attacks." Starting in 2013, Al-Qaeda's drone attack attempts in Pakistan failed. From 2016, ISIS used drones for attacks in Iraq and Syria. European Union Security Commissioner Julian King warned about potential terror drone attacks on European cities in 2019. Drone threats near the India-Pakistan border and Line of Control (LoC) are frequent. Some carried weapons to India. In 2019, 167 drone sightings from Pakistan were reported; 77 in 2020. In 2019, Punjab Police seized a drone-dropped arms consignment from Pakistan. In 2021, Jammu and Kashmir Police caught individuals picking up drone-dropped arms.

Issues with Drones

• Humans decide if drones are used positively or negatively.
• National Security: Drones threaten security as they can strike remotely.
• Terrorism: Terrorist groups, including ISIS, employ drones for attacks.
• Aviation Safety: Drones near aircraft require regulations.
• Privacy: Drones invade privacy, used by paparazzi to capture personal images.