India Ramps Up Border Drone Defence After Hamas Attack On Israel
Total Views |
India is establishing a monitoring system involving drones across its borders to deter surprise assaults like the one carried out by Hamas in Israel. Over the last week, defense officials met with six domestic manufacturers of surveillance and reconnaissance drones, and an order is anticipated to be published as soon as next month, according to persons who asked not to be identified because the information is not public.
According to the persons, the military hopes to make the system operational over some areas of the border as early as May.
The initiative to constantly monitor borders comes as tensions with neighboring China and Pakistan remain high, particularly along the Himalayas.
While the conflict in Ukraine has forced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to rethink its armory, readiness for war, and battlefield priorities, the unexpected Hamas attack has pushed the nation to adopt some of the advised steps as soon as possible.
In addition, India claims that drones are being used to transport weapons and narcotics across its western border. According to the sources, it might take about 18 months to complete the system and could cost up to $500 million every year.
The Indian Defense Ministry did not reply to a request for comment.
The drones and software that will power them will be created domestically, according to the sources. The Indian military, which relies largely on Russia for weapon platforms, is attempting to increase domestic production as part of a 10-year, $250 billion military modernization drive.
The whole 14,000 miles (22,531 kilometers) of India's land borders and coastline would be under continual observation once the system is operational, according to the individuals. Previously, when the current round of border tensions with Beijing initially erupted in the summer of 2020, New Delhi employed two US drones for monitoring and reconnaissance.
Source: AFI
