In February 2023, a new radio-frequency (RF) based counter-drone system was created by Lt Col Sadanand Chauhan of the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals This anti-drone system was deployed to enhance the Army’s capability to combat the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in key border areas, marking a significant advancement for the Armed Forces. During the 14th edition of Asia’s largest aero show, Aero India 2023, the system created by Colonel Chauhan was impressively displayed along with a number of Indian-made aircraft and selected for deployment to prevent enemy drones from engaging in anti-Indian activities across the international border in Punjab and the Line of Control in Jammu-Kashmir, Anti-drone systems, also called counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technologies, are a set of integrated solutions that detect, identify, track, and mitigate unauthorized or hostile drone activities. These systems use various detection methods, such as radar, cameras, radio frequency sensors, and acoustic sensors, to detect and locate drones in the airspace. Once detected, these systems can employ countermeasures to neutralize the threat, either by disrupting the drone’s communication links, jamming its navigation systems, or, in extreme cases, physically intercepting and capturing the drone.
Anti-drone systems have become increasingly necessary due to the growing number of incidents of drones being used for criminal purposes or as weapons for war/sabotage/terrorism. Drones have also been used for illegal purposes, such as smuggling contraband into prisons, conducting unlawful surveillance, or even carrying explosives or other harmful payloads. Additionally, the risk of drones accidentally entering restricted airspace, such as near airports or military installations, can have severe consequences. Anti-drone systems provide a crucial layer of protection against these threats, ensuring the safety and security of critical assets, infrastructure, and public spaces. Terrorist groups in Pakistan have been using drones to transport drugs and arms across the border into areas like Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, indicating a prominent crime-terror nexus in the region. Border Security Force is reported to have intercepted 90 drones from Pakistan in 2023, including some believed to be of Chinese origin. Bigger drones of up to 8 feet width and with high-resolution cameras have also been detected. India has only suffered one drone-related attack to date in 2021, where drones were used to drop two IEDs (improvised explosive device) at the Indian Air Force station in Jammu. While Pakistani terrorist groups have not crossed the threshold of acquiring drones for attacks but have very often been using them as a means of transporting weapons.
While Colonel Chauhan’s creation is an asset, In January 2023, the Indian Army requested a proposal to purchase a vehicle anti-drone system in an attempt to combat aerial threats. RFjamming, which interferes with the radio frequency link between a drone and its operator by producing a lot of RF impinging, is one technique used to beat enemy drone attacks.
In June 2024, Axiscades Technologies Ltd, a leading technology and engineering solutions company, announced the commencement of delivery of a significant number of Man Portable Counter Drone System (MPCDS) to the Indian Army. These systems are the first of their kind to be inducted into the India’s Armed Forces and for Axiscades, this contract marks a major milestone.
The MPCDS, developed by Axiscades, stands out as a game-changer in India’s defence capabilities. Uniquely designed and entirely made in India, the MPCDS is compact, portable, and operates on both battery and mains power. Covering multiple frequency spectrums, including Command, Control and Navigation, the system has the ability to detect and jam a wide variety of drones within a range of up to 5 kilometres.
Commenting on this development, Mr Arun Krishnamurthi, the CEO and Managing Director of Axiscades, said “This order marks a milestone moment in our commitment to advancing indigenous military technology. We are honoured to contribute to enhancing the defence capabilities of our armed forces with the delivery of the Man Portable Counter Drone Systems. This is the first Counter Drone System being inducted into the Indian Defence Forces in the man portable category, and the system is being deployed at multiple locations across various Commands in the Indian Army. We will continue to innovate and provide advanced security solutions to meet the evolving needs of our Armed Forces and make India self-reliant in the defence engineering ecosystem.”
In January 2024, it was reported that a counter-drone system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is ready for production and was already demonstrated to the Services and other Internal Security agencies with some orders having been placed. The DRDO is now focussing on high endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) while the capability for smaller drones exists with the industry.
Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have outlined plans to enhance their Counter UAV (C-UAV) capabilities through multiple tenders, including emergency procurements, with an estimated addressable opportunity of Rs. 3,000 crores within India alone over the next five years. Axiscades is considered as a key player at the forefront of this initiative, with the company strengthening its C-UAV systems with integrated sensors and neutralisation options, solidifying its position to capture both domestic and global market opportunities.
