Security agencies are in the process of identification of strategically important sites within the distance of 15 to 20 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) for installation of anti-drone technology developed by the Defence and Research Development Organization (DRDO) to thwart June 27 like terror attacks using drones on the Indian Air Force (IAF) base at Satwari here.
“Initially, the technology is likely to be installed at selective security installations which are strategically more significant and are located within 15 to 20 kilometers from LoC and IB in Jammu and Kashmir,” as per sources.
They said the DRDO has demonstrated anti-drone technology to top Army Commanders and apparently it seems successful as it can hit the approaching drones nearly three to four kilometers away from the target. However, they added, the system is quite expensive and would cost around Rs 22 crore per equipment.
There are a number of military installations in Jammu and Kashmir which are located between 15 to 20 kilometers from the Line of Control and International Border. If the new technology is approved by the Military Commanders, initially the security agencies might go for installation of new equipment in a very limited manner.
For the purpose, sources said, the security agencies are in the process of identifying strategically important installations which will require anti-drone technology immediately and the buildings where it can be installed at a later stage. “Gradually, the majority of sensitive installations might require installation of anti-drone technology but to begin with the security agencies want to protect the sensitive installations which are located close to the Line of Control and International Border with Pakistan,” sources pointed out.
The Indian Air Force base at Satwari which was targeted by twin drone strikes in the wee hours of June 27 was about 14 kilometers from Makwal along Niki Tawi International Border and around 20 to 22 kilometers from RS Pura. Sources, however, believed that if the drones were launched from Pakistan, they took the Makwal route as there have been no indications to suggest that it was a localized attack.
