Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.

UAVs also known as drones are devices which can be remotely controlled and work independently for various tasks. Integral aspect of conflict. Used by states: India - Pak conflict → India attacked Pak radars with drones. Russia - UK ceasefire conflict → Offsave obj, Spiderweb to target deep Persian infos. Israel - Hamas → Israel used drones to target key leaders. Non-State: a) Terror outfit use it for weapon supply (eg Punjab border). b) Organised crime networks used for drug trafficking

Implications to India: (1) Russia organised-terrorist coordination → use of drones for supply of weapons, funds & drugs by both (2) Border infra → used to update for counter UAV architecture (3) Friendly bonds population as seen living off Sindoors (4) Need for upgradation of security archit → New UAV command in IAF (5) Insurgency → drones used by NE militant north-east insurgents to carry out their activities (6) Difficult to trace & current radar system ill-equipped to handle low flying UAVs. Measures taken: (1) Anti-Drone System (eg Op Sundor saw use of indigenous Kapash system) (2) Separate command in army for tackling emerging UAV face (3) Empowering local bodies police (4) Punjab police with anti drone Security guns (5) UAVs in border security: a) Surveillance b) Standby Supply to army. More measures needed: (1) Develop UAV-fleet for operations readiness → learn from Iran & Turkey (2) Indigenous production → encourage defence startups like YudHa (3) Capacity building of army personnel, police (4) Coordination between armed forces & local police (5) Innovation → Spend on R&D (Major-67 now)

— ASTHA JAIN · AIR 9