India has rightly cautioned the world about the threat of weaponised Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), popularly known as Drones. “Another add-on to existing worries is the use of drones. Being a low-cost option and easily available, utilisation of these platforms for sinister purposes by terrorist groups has become an imminent danger and challenge for security agencies worldwide,” India stated at a UN conference that discussed terrorism and emerging threats. Many may concur that as the conference was held within days of a drone attack on Jammu air base, India quickly raised the issue to corner Pakistan. But this assumption is incorrect. Along with the rest of the world, India is also suffering from uncontrolled movements of drones in its air space, especially those coming from across the border. As a matter of fact, in November, 2020, Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh wrote a letter to the Central Government highlighting the threats faced by his state from drones. The Chief Minister alleged that drones were being used to smuggle arms and drugs to create unrest in the state.
Now, within eight months of writing the letter, drones dropped explosives on a strategically important location just as New Delhi reopened the channel of discussion with Kashmiri leaders. What is more worrying is that to ward off such threats in future, installation of an anti-drone system is not possible to shield important installations in the country. Though such technology is available, it will cost the exchequer a few billion dollars, which is near impossible for a developing nation like India to bear. The other alternative is to appoint sharp shooters with sniper rifles so that the drones can be grounded. However, this is also not a full proof arrangement for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the drone should be within firing range. Secondly, sighting drones especially at night is not an easy task. More often than not, drones will escape the eyes. Thirdly, our western border is thousands of kilometres long. It will require plenty of sharp shooters to prevent the entry of drones into our air space.
Thus, situation suggests that many more attacks will occur in the future, as drones have become a key component of modern day warfare. With the help of drones, the US had successfully eliminated Iranian general Quasem Soleimani. But similarly, Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted two oil installations in Saudi Arabia. As a result, UAVs are no longer regarded as a marvel of science, rather it is termed a curse as the technology has reached the wrong hands. It may be mentioned here that drone technology has improved dramatically and its cost has come down. With the advancement of technology, plans are being formulated to use drones as delivery agents who will help to maintain social distancing norms in a pandemic situation. Experiments on increasing payload capacity, endurance and range have largely been successful. It appears that the dream to be benefitted from this advancement of science will remain distant as frequent use of drones will invite danger instead of peace.