Q.10. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc, is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. [UPSC 2023 GS P-3]

Detecting small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) presents several challenges due to their size, stealth capabilities, and diverse material compositions. e.g.,

• Low Radar Cross Section (RCS):
  • Small UAVs have inherently low RCS, making them difficult to detect using conventional radar systems. Their small size and material composition (often including lightweight engineering plastics) result in inadequate Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for radar detection.
• Multiband Radar Requirements:
  • The RCS of different small UAVs can vary significantly. To address this, multiband radars may be necessary. These radars operate across multiple frequency bands to improve detection capabilities.
  • However, shorter radar bands used for detecting small UAVs are more susceptible to interference from weather conditions.
• Stealth and Terrain Proximity:
  • Small UAVs can fly close to terrain, exploiting their stealth capabilities. This proximity to the ground makes them challenging to detect, track, and classify.
  • Their ability to blend into the environment further complicates detection efforts.
• Sensor Integration:
  • Combining multiple sensor technologies (such as radar, visual cameras, acoustic sensors, and radio frequency detectors) is essential for comprehensive UAV detection.
  • Integrating data from various sensors improves accuracy and reliability.
• Weather Interference:
  • Weather conditions (rain, fog, snow) can affect sensor performance, especially in the shorter radar bands used for small UAV detection.
  • Adaptive algorithms and sensor fusion techniques are necessary to mitigate weather-related challenges.

In short, detecting small UAVs requires advanced sensor technologies, multiband radars, and effective integration of data from various sources. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by adversaries poses a significant threat to internal security. To address this challenge, several measures are being implemented:

• Advanced Surveillance Technologies:
  • Radar Systems: Deploying radar systems helps detect unauthorized UAV activity.
  • Drone Detection Software: Sophisticated software identifies and tracks UAVs, allowing timely responses.
• Anti-UAV Equipment Procurement:
  • The Indian military has ordered nearly $19 million worth of anti-UAV equipment after the 2021 Jammu UAV attack.
  • These systems are designed to detect, track, and neutralize hostile UAVs.
• Deployment of Anti-Drone Systems:
  • During the G20 Summit in New Delhi, anti-drone systems were deployed to prevent aerial strikes.
  • These systems include jamming technology, kinetic measures, and electronic countermeasures.
• Soft Kill Measures:
  • Jamming: Disrupting UAV communication by jamming their signals.
  • GPS Disruption or Spoofing: Manipulating GPS signals to confuse UAV navigation.
• Hard Kill Measures:
  • Bullets or Guns: Physically disrupting UAV mechanisms to neutralize them.

In summary, a combination of surveillance, detection, and response strategies is essential to tackle the UAV threat effectively.