Centre issues alert on potential drone attacks on vital installations, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Union government has issued an alert regarding potential rogue drone attacks targeting Vital Assets and Vital Installations (VAVIs) along India's borders.
• The Marine Security Wing of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways specifically highlighted the emerging drone threat to VAVIs.
• Security agencies are actively working on deploying counter-drone technology systems to safeguard critical assets across the country.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs constituted the Anti Rogue Drone Technology Committee within the Border Security Force for evaluating new technology systems.
• The Central Industrial Security Force also formed a Sub-Committee Board of Officers to conduct surveys of VAVIs.

Detailed Insights:

• The alert underscores the urgent need to protect national assets, particularly those situated near land and sea borders, from hostile drone activities.
• The current global geo-political situation has demonstrated the capability of rogue drones to disrupt the operations of critical infrastructure.
• The deployment of Anti-Drone Systems is considered crucial to mitigate the risks posed by unmanned aerial vehicles.
• The formation of specialized committees by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Central Industrial Security Force reflects a coordinated, multi-agency approach to national security.
• This proactive measure aims to enhance the resilience of critical installations against evolving aerial threats.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Vital Assets and Vital Installations (VAVIs): Critical infrastructure and facilities essential for national security, economy, or public safety.
• Counter-drone technology: Systems designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralize unauthorized or hostile drones.
• Marine Security Wing: A specialized unit within the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways focusing on maritime security.
• Anti Rogue Drone Technology Committee: A body formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs within the Border Security Force to evaluate and certify anti-drone systems.