Subject: Internal Security

The emergence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as tools for cross-border criminal activities poses a significant challenge to India's internal security, with the Border Security Force (BSF) seizing over 200 drones along the Punjab border in 2024, marking a concerning increase from 107 in 2023.

Current Challenges and Threats

• Drug Trafficking: Drones are increasingly used to transport narcotics across borders, bypassing traditional security measures and ground-based surveillance systems.
• Arms Smuggling: Adversaries exploit UAVs to ferry weapons and ammunition, threatening border security and internal stability.
• Intelligence Gathering: Hostile forces utilize drones for reconnaissance and surveillance of strategic installations and military positions.

Counter-Measures and Strategic Response

• Technology Integration:

  • Implementation of anti-drone systems equipped with radar, radio frequency detectors, and electro-optical sensors.
  • Deployment of AI-powered drone detection and neutralization systems along vulnerable border areas.

• Policy Framework:

  • Introduction of the Drone (Amendment) Rules, 2023 to regulate drone operations and establish a comprehensive regulatory framework.
  • Enhanced coordination between BSF, Army, and local law enforcement for effective drone threat management.

Financial and Operational Initiatives

• Budget Allocation:

  • The 2025-26 Union Budget allocated ₹2,000-3,000 crore for military drone deployment.
  • Investment in indigenous drone technology with 75% of modernization budget earmarked for domestic procurement.

• Capacity Building:

  • Training of security personnel in counter-drone operations.
  • Development of specialized drone detection units within border security forces.

India's comprehensive approach to tackling the drone threat combines technological solutions, policy measures, and operational strategies, exemplified by the successful induction of 2,000-2,500 drones by mid-2024 and the vision to establish India as a global drone hub by 2030.