The Indian Air Force has taken a huge step by deciding to purchase 100 Unmanned Aerial Systems (also known as UAVs) for base security and surveillance around the nation. We will purchase these drone systems from Indian suppliers or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
An unprecedented drone strike on the Jammu airbase in June of last year underlined the necessity to update the security system in place for critical military bases in order to address newer threats. Two drones carrying bombs had collided with the facility, inflicting damage to a building’s roof.
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Prior to this, the IAF had ordered anti-drone devices from Zen Technologies of Hyderabad for Rs 155 crore. According to authorities speaking to News18, the current acquisition will significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s capabilities to repel such strikes.
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With the capacity to carry electro-optic (EO) and thermal imagers, high-altitude operation, and the ability to detect a human-size target from a great distance, the mini Unmanned Aerial Systems that the IAF intends to acquire now will be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and detection both during the day and at night at different IAF bases. As a result, the IAF will be able to identify and thwart terrorist assaults on its bases in addition to hostile UAV attacks.
The National Security Guards (NSG) claimed to have been stationed at the IAF stations in Srinagar and Jammu last year to protect these crucial installations from drone attacks. The Indian Army had caught two further drones flying over the Kaluchak military facility outside of Jammu city a day after the attack on the Jammu airfield.
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After that, many UAV orders were previously placed with Indian companies, the majority of which were covered by emergency procurement money. Swarm drones, logistics drones, and loitering weapons that can detect a target and detonate there are examples of this. The Army alone has purchased the vast bulk of these drones. Also check out: Defence Ministry Approves Proposals Worth Rs 28,732 Crore Including Swarm Drones And Bulletproof Jackets
The services have maintained their focus on acquiring modern platforms with the newest technologies during the past two years, including a variety of UAVs with various classes and counter-drone systems. Most of them are for operations involving intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
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The Army has begun purchasing tiny UAVs locally for confined surveillance missions. A deal between the Navy and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was also signed in order to purchase a native, comprehensive Naval Anti-Drone System (NADS) with hard-kill and soft-kill capabilities.
Additionally, it is intended to equip the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs with more sophisticated satellite communication systems, sensors, and weapons for extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions, including air-to-ground missiles and laser-guided bombs for pinpoint accuracy.
A $3 billion case is still pending with the government to buy 30 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) armed drones from the US, 10 for each of the defence services.
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