Countering Pakistan & Chinese Drone Warfare

The Government of India (GOI) is aiming to implement a fully indigenous antidrone system along the country's western border within six months. This initiative is crucial for countering the use of drones in smuggling arms and narcotics from Pakistan, particularly in Punjab. Additionally, recent global events emphasize India's need to stay at the forefront of both drone and anti-drone technologies.

 News from the Ukraine-Russia conflict has shifted from Ukraine's initial drone advantage to Russia catching up. The U.S. has provided Ukraine with defense systems, including counter drone gun trucks, while Russia has developed strategies to disrupt Ukrainian drones. The rapid technological cat-and-mouse game in this context is noteworthy.

 Israel, leveraging its agile tech sector, has utilized drones against Hamas in various capacities, including reconnaissance of underground structures in Gaza. In the Red Sea conflict, U.S. navy destroyers have successfully intercepted Houthi drones. This scenario has highlighted the need for India's navy to acquire anti-drone equipment.

 

Lessons for India

 

The evolving nature of warfare involves asymmetrical tactics. Notably, even the U.S. navy refrains from using next-gen weapons against Houthi drones due to cost considerations. India faces a significant gap, especially in the civilian drone space, where Chinese competition persists despite an import ban. Deploying an indigenous anti-drone system, if realized, would signify a crucial milestone in India's defense capabilities.