Hindu Editorial Analysis : 10-June-2023

The proliferation of drone technology has raised concerns about the potential use of weaponized drones by terrorists. As the availability and affordability of drones increase, so does the threat of their illicit use. This essay will explore the challenges posed by weaponized drones and the efforts made by the global community to counter this emerging threat.

The Drone Threat
  1. Expansion of drone applications:
    • Drones becoming less expensive and more accessible globally.
    • Increasing potential for drone technology to be used in terrorist incidents or attacks.
  2. Examples of drone misuse:
    • Surveillance activities and delivery of dangerous materials by terrorist groups in conflict zones.
    • Incidents such as an environmental group repurposing a hobby drone to breach secure airspace and crash into a building.
Issues and Challenges in Countering Weaponized Drones
  1. Unpredictability and damage potential:
    • Drones can cause significant physical and psychological damage.
    • Difficult to detect and their occurrence is unpredictable.
  2. Ineffective countermeasures:
    • Missiles are expensive and may not effectively target drones.
    • Handheld guns have limited range and accuracy.
    • Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) devices have limitations in identification due to atmospheric conditions.
    • Wide-band detectors are time-consuming and cumbersome.
    • Passive Radio Frequency (RF) detection requires multiple sensors and becomes challenging for moving targets.
    • Introduction of 5G technology complicates counter-drone operations by enabling drones to operate beyond the operator’s line of sight.
    • Satcom connectivity allows commercial drones to access military-grade communication, making counter-drone efforts more difficult.
Global Counter Drone Efforts
  1. United States:
    • Establishment of the Joint C-UAS Office (JCO) in 2019 to lead and synchronize counter-drone activities.
  2. United Kingdom:
    • Coordination between the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and government agencies to implement anti-drone solutions effectively.
  3. NATO and Interpol:
    • NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) conducted a Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Technical Interoperability Exercise.
    • Interpol organized a similar exercise involving participants from over 50 countries.
  4. Drone catchers:
    • Ukraine received the first six interceptors, ‘Shahed catchers,’ from the United States.
Developments in India
  1. India’s Drone Policy 2021:
    • A well-articulated policy with regular updates, but an anti-drone policy is still being developed.
  2. DRDO’s efforts:
    • Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad experimenting with DEW technology development.
    • Development of the DURGA II (Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array), a 100 KW lightweight DEW system.
    • Focus on national-level strategy to address interoperability issues.
    • Deployment of DRDO’s anti-drone technology for short ranges during the Prime Minister’s security.
Why In News

The increasing prevalence of weaponized drones raises urgent concerns within the global community, necessitating immediate and concerted action to address the potential terrorist exploitation of this technology. It is imperative that international cooperation and proactive measures are undertaken to mitigate the risks posed by weaponized drones, safeguarding global security and protecting innocent lives.

MCQs about Weaponized Drones and Global Countermeasures

  1. What is one of the challenges in countering weaponized drones?
    A. Low availability of countermeasures
    B. High accuracy of handheld guns
    C. Limitations of detection technologies
    D. Reliable heat signatures for heat-seeking missiles
    Correct Answer: C. Limitations of detection technologies
    Explanation: The limitations of Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) devices, wide-band detectors, and passive Radio Frequency (RF) detection in countering weaponized drones.
  2. Which country established the Joint C-UAS Office (JCO) to lead and synchronize counter-drone activities?
    A. United States
    B. United Kingdom
    C. NATO
    D. Ukraine
    Correct Answer: A. United States
    Explanation: The United States established the Joint C-UAS Office (JCO) with the purpose of coordinating and directing counter-drone activities.
  3. What technology has added complexity to counter-drone operations by enabling drones to operate beyond the operator’s line of sight?
    A. 4G
    B. Satcom connectivity
    C. Passive Radio Frequency (RF) detection
    D. Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) devices
    Correct Answer: B. Satcom connectivity
    Explanation: The introduction of 5G technology and Satcom connectivity has allowed drones to operate beyond the operator’s line of sight, making counter-drone operations more challenging.
  4. What development has India focused on to address the challenges of interoperability?
    A. National-level strategy
    B. Deployment of missile defense systems
    C. Acquisition of advanced drones
    D. Collaboration with NATO
    Correct Answer: A. National-level strategy
    Explanation: The India is focusing on developing a national-level strategy to address interoperability issues related to drone systems.

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