Border Security: They monitor large areas, enhancing border surveillance and reconnaissance even in difficult areas where deploying human intelligence is not possible (e.g. rugged terrain).
- It can also be used for military logistics and striking the enemy or its infrastructure in deep, inhospitable locations.
Real-time Intelligence Gathering: Drones with advanced sensors provide real-time data for better situational awareness in conflict zones.
Tool for ‘Psychological Warfare’: Constant presence of UAVs in conﬂict zones creates a sense of unease and helplessness among enemies creating psychological pressure. Moreover, fear of sudden strikes adds another layer of deterrence.
Replacing manned aircrafts: It helps in achieving military goals without the risk posed to pilot’s life during security operations.
Maintaining law and order: Drones can be used by Police to monitor large crowds, surveillance of illegal activities, search and rescue operations etc.
Precision targeting: UAVs, equipped with laser-guided missiles enables militaries to conduct surgical strikes against high-value targets reducing collateral damage and civilian casualties
Cost Efﬁciency and Scalability: Drones offer cost-effective surveillance capabilities without significant investments. Moreover. It requires less maintenance, fewer resources, and can be easily and quickly deployed.

An image showing Security threats posed by Drone technology. These security threats include-Weaponization of drones: Modification of small commercial drones allows for easy carrying of explosives or weaponry, enabling targeted attacks on individuals or existing infrastructure; Cross-Border Smuggling and illicit Trafficking: Commodities such as drugs, arms and explosives can be easily smuggled and trafficked across the border with the use of drones; Disruption of Critical Infrastructure: Drones can carry out cyber-attacks, electronic jamming or physical attacks to disrupt infrastructure networks; Privacy concerns: Drones loaded with high definition cameras and gadgets can pose threat to privacy of common citizens; Drone Swarms: It refers to a situation where a large drones operate autonomously in coordinated formations, potentially overwhelming defences.

Initiatives by India to tackle drone threats

Counter Drone System (D4 System): Developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Electronics Limited, it is capable of performing real time search, detection, tracking and neutralization (Soft/ Hard Kill) of the flying drones (Micro/Small UAVs)
Anti-Rogue Drone Technology Committee (ARDTC): Established by Ministry of Home Affairs to evaluate the technology available to counter rogue drone and certify its effectiveness in dealing with rouge drones.
Public Sensitization on UAV/Drone Activities: The public in border areas has been sensitised about potential security risks associated with drone activities and are encouraged to report any incidents to BSF and local police.
Deployment of Anti-drone systems: Anti-drone systems have been deployed in border areas of Punjab to counter drone threats, and an anti-rogue drone SOP has been formulated and implemented in field units.
Detailed vulnerability mapping: It has been carried out along borders such as Indo-Pak border by deploying vehicles and additional special surveillance equipment equipped with Cameras, sensors and infrared alarm.

Way ahead to prevent misuse of drones

An image about different Indian airspace zone under Drone Rules 2021. Drone Rules 2021 divides the Indian airspace into three zones Green, Yellow and Red based on acceptability of flying drones. Red zones are no go zones where no drones can be operated except for a permission given by Central Government.

Comprehensive National Action: A national action should be developed to prevent, protect and respond to and recover from use of UAV by non-State armed groups, including for terrorism-related purposes.
- In 2019, Ministry of Civil Aviation released ‘National Counter Rogue Drone Guidelines’ to lay out guidelines assessing drone threat.
Supply chain security measures: Ensure thorough record-keeping for UAV transfers, and promote codes of conduct, due diligence, and compliance activities.
Raise awareness: Highlight regulatory requirements for the safe and legal use of drones, and prepare the public for potential incidents involving UAVs.
Private Sector: Encourage collaboration with the private sector, industry, and academia for early detection and precautionary measures against threats from non-state actors.
Vulnerability Assessments: Regular assessments should be conducted to identify protection gaps in critical infrastructure and public targets. Enhanced training and equip teams to ensure that they can safely and effectively respond to incidents.
Adoption of robust Cyber security measures: Defence strategies such as honey drones (HDs) can be used to lure cyber attackers away from critical UAVs missions by using lightweight virtual machines to redirect attacks. It can help in ensuring a mission’s operational and secure.
Strengthening the operational framework:
- Licensing: Every drone should be registered and licensed. It will ease authorities in identification of the owner of any harmful drone.
- Flying Permit: A flying permit similar to a driving license should be issued with a registered drone
- Multi-factor authentication: Rigid authentication methods can help in stopping several common security threats.
- Declaration of Restricted zones: Map-based public applications should also indicate areas that are no-fly zones for UAV/drones

Conclusion

As drone technology continues to evolve with advent of emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning, India should adopt a proactive and multi-faceted approach to create robust regulatory framework and invest in counter drone industry to focus on its research and development activities so that it can support law enforcement agencies