Context:
The recent appearance of Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) near Okinawa had raised alarms among the Japanese. They always tend to be perceived as far less threatening than a full fledged fighter aircraft. It is important for India to keep this operational dynamics in mind while developing its UAV defense strategy and border security policies.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard, controlled remotely or autonomously. They are used for various purposes, including military, civilian, and commercial applications.
What are UAVs?
- Definition
- UAVs are aircraft that can fly without a human pilot on board, controlled either remotely or autonomously.
- Also known as
- Drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs).
- How they work
- UAVs are typically controlled via remote control or through pre-programmed flight plans.
Why Are UAVs Perceived as Less Threatening?
- Limited Weapon Capabilities
- Most UAVs are either unarmed or carry smaller weapon payloads compared to fighter jets.
- Surveillance Focus
- Most UAVs act only to a large extent in the realm of reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
- Reduced Political and Financial Risk
- Downing a drone does not involve human casualties or the loss of an expensive piloted airplane.
International Instances of Engagement by Drones
- Iran-U.S. Disaster (2019)
- An Iranian missile shot a U.S. surveillance drone out of the sky. But no escalation into military conflict took place.
- Russia-U.S. Scuffle (2023)
- A MQ 9 Reaper UAV was knocked down by Russia without much consequence from the U.S. The pattern here shows that incidents over UAV often lead to restraint rather than escalation.
Increased UAV Employment Conjointly Risks
- Encourages Aggressive Reconnaissance
- Less risky may welcomingly make countries utilize drones for any mission too risky for piloted aircraft.
Messages for India
- Trans Border Drone Threats from Pakistan
- For arms and narcotics smuggling, UAVs are increasingly being employed. The Indian defense strategy must balance interception with cost effectiveness.
- Cost Difference
- Air to air missiles (as in the case for India in 2019) become unattractive propositions against very low value dolls.
- UAV Utilization by Bangladesh
- The use of Bayraktar TB 2 for border surveillance necessitates a review of India’s drone defense policies.
Future Steps for India in Managing UAV Threats
- Detection Systems in More Depth
- Invest in radar and electronic warfare to enable seamless interception of UAVs.
- Anti Drone Technologies
- Drive research on laser weapons, jammers, and smaller, affordable missile options.
- Strategic Partnerships
- Joint defense efforts with international partners will upscale defense against drones in India.
Okinawa Island
Okinawa is a Japanese island in the East China Sea. In Naha city, Shuri Castle is the rebuilt palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. One of several remaining Ryukyuan fortresses on Okinawa from the Gusuku period, it features the ornate gate of Shureimon.
