Shift in Civil Aviation Security: New Systems to Detect and Neutralise Rogue Drones Amid Rising Global Threats
India is embarking on a significant expansion of its airport security infrastructure, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) jointly deciding to deploy sophisticated anti-drone systems across all major and minor civilian airports nationwide.
The move marks a crucial upgrade in the country’s approach to civil aviation security, driven by growing global military tensions and the increasing use of inexpensive, accessible drones in modern warfare and surveillance.
The initial focus for the anti-drone plan was concentrated on high-risk locations, including the airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Jammu, and Srinagar. This prioritisation stemmed from insights gained from ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the rising number of global incidents involving drones used for espionage or attack.
However, the decision to extend deployment across all passenger aircraft airports signifies a major shift. Officials confirmed that the installed anti-drone systems will be capable of:
Detecting and tracking unauthorised aerial vehicles.
Neutralising rogue drones before they can pose a threat.
The technology aims to prevent airspace intrusions, protect strategic aviation assets, and avoid disruptions to flight operations.
The ambitious project is being led by the MHA, with BCAS establishing a specialised committee to manage implementation. This group features experts from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and other key stakeholders, ensuring both regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness are met.
The committee is currently finalising critical aspects of the rollout, including:
Specifications and operational guidelines for the new systems.
Strategic placement strategies across diverse airport environments.
The emphasis is on integrating advanced technology seamlessly with existing airport security frameworks. Once these modalities are approved, procurement and phased installation will commence across the country.
By proactively preparing for emerging threats, this initiative represents a crucial step for India in protecting passengers, aircraft, and critical infrastructure, thereby ensuring safer skies for the future.
