- Modern warfare has evolved tremendously over the years on the back of mind-boggling cutting-edge technology, which needs no further elaboration. Every country worth its salt has invested in advancing its military inventory by pumping in investments to stay abreast of the fast-evolving scenario. Advanced nations have perpetually been on the lookout to strengthen military R&D that eventually produces results in line with the present-day requirements, where space and air power are defined as imperatives. The recently conducted Operation Sindoor showcased to the world how modern-day warfare will be played out with UAVs essaying a major role. Most interestingly, the cost-effectiveness of UAVs and drones far outweighs that of conventional military hardware.
PC: PBS
- Even the ongoing Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, as well as Israel and Iran, showcased to the world the importance of possessing UAVs and drones for effective attacks and counterattacks. The multiutilities of UAVs are thus becoming ubiquitous can be gauged by the fact that Pakistani smugglers are pushing drones laden with drugs, arms, and ammunition deeper into India. After a brief lull during Operation Sindoor, drone-borne smuggling has resumed with greater precision, reportedly using Chinese drones that can fly higher to evade detection. Of course, this is hardly petty smuggling but part of a well-planned Pakistani ICAD (illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive) strategy to undermine India’s security.
PC: Hindustan Times
- Mind you, the goal is to get drugs, guns, and money to criminal elements on this side of the border. It’s part of Pakistan’s old doctrine of bleeding India with a thousand cuts. Let’s consider how last September, a police team in Punjab discovered a haul of Nato-grade guns – most likely originating in Afghanistan – from smugglers linked to Pakistani drone drops. With such weapons found with terrorists in Kashmir, the modus operandi is clear. Drone drops from Pakistan started after the nullification of Article 370 in 2019. To counter this, as reported, the BSF adopted anti-drone systems like Dronaam that neutralize Pak-origin UAVs using laser. Even specialized anti-drone teams have been set up. But the versatility of drone tech means that it is constantly evolving.
PC: DefenceXP
- For the uninitiated, drones can be suitably modified and adapted to evade easy detection. They can change modus operandi and alter the application. The Ukraine war exemplifies this. Drone tech is changing every fortnight. This also means counter-drone tech must constantly innovate in real time. That, in turn, means creating a large pool of expertise throughout the security establishment and linking this with R&D institutes. The evolution of drones can be seen with the rapid transformation from FPV to fibre optic to the upcoming AI versions. The only way to stay ahead of the curve is to heavily invest in drone tech in both industry and academia. Needless to mention, India must create its own drone shield.
