Syllabus :GS 3/Science and Technology
In Context
- Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicles near Okinawa were seen as less threatening compared to piloted aircraft.
| Do you know? – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is commonly considered to be a drone or an aircraft with no pilot on board. 1. It can be a remote-controlled aircraft equipped with cameras, sensors, communication systems, and other payload devices. 2. It was created for military usage, and civilian usage to protect the border. 3. It is often considered less dangerous due to their lower capabilities, especially when not armed. |
Why are UAVs seen as less of a threat?
- The absence of human operators makes UAVs seem less powerful or aggressive compared to manned aircraft.
- UAVs are seen as a “low-risk” tool for reconnaissance, as they don’t endanger human lives or costly piloted aircraft.
- UAVs, even when downed, are less of a financial burden compared to manned aircraft.
- Countries may see UAVs as expendable resources for intelligence-gathering or surveillance missions.
Examples of UAV Engagement
- In 2019, Iran shot down a U.S. surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the incident, the U.S. did not respond with military retaliation.
- In 2023, Russia shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper UAV, but again, no significant retaliatory actions were taken by the U.S.
Impact on India
India faces challenges in handling UAV incursions, especially from neighboring countries like Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh.
- Pakistan: Small UAVs are frequently used to transport arms and narcotics into India. Pakistan has avoided accountability for these incursions, requiring India to develop a cost-effective countermeasure strategy without relying on expensive military resources like missiles.
- India previously used air-to-air missiles (e.g., via Su-30) to bring down UAVs, but such methods are costly.
- Pakistan has not retaliated significantly when India has shot down UAVs, indicating limited escalation risks in such situations.
- Bangladesh: The recent deployment of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB-2 UAVs near the Indian border raises concerns about surveillance activities. While not overtly hostile, such actions necessitate vigilance.
- These larger UAVs are more similar to manned aircraft in terms of size and endurance.
- In the event that such UAVs enter Indian airspace, India needs to address the situation carefully.
- China: China’s rapid advancement in drone warfare, including stealth UAVs and swarm technologies, poses a long-term strategic challenge for India, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Strategic Considerations for India
- Enhancing Counter-Drone Technologies: India must prioritize the development and deployment of cost-effective counter-UAV systems to prevent excessive spending on expensive air-to-air missiles.
- Strengthening UAV Capabilities: To maintain strategic superiority, India should enhance its UAV capabilities through acquisition of Advanced UAVs like MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from the U.S and launching Swarm Drone Programs.
- Diplomatic and Legal Measures: India should engage diplomatically to establish regional agreements on UAV usage, particularly with Bangladesh and Pakistan, to prevent unintended escalations
- Addressing Cybersecurity Risks: India should develop cybersecurity protocols to protect its own UAV assets.
Source :TH
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