India's draft drone policy to be out soon!
India's new drone policy may soon empower the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) and National Security Guard (NSG) to shoot down "rogue" low-flying objects. The matter was reportedly discussed at a recent meeting that the Union Home Secretary held with stakeholders, including the Indian Air Force. The policy comes amid security concerns over repeated sightings of drones at the border areas and airports.
"There are no standard operating procedures to deal with the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). That is why the new policy is being brought in," states a home ministry official. It looks towards averting security threats from UAVs in sensitive areas, including airports and borders. Moreover, it intends to prevent their misuse by terrorists or elements who wish to employ them against India's interests.
According to a home ministry official, the draft drone policy is in its final stage. It is expected to be out in the public domain this month itself to seek comments from stakeholders.
The policy aims to institute a licensing procedure for drones to be used in guarding India's borders and vital installations, as well as disaster relief operations. The policy will also lay down punishment and fine for misuse. Both the CISF and NSG are likely to be given powers to shoot down an "erring low-flying object" if they believe it to be "rogue."
In order to decide if a low-flying object is to be shot at, both CISF and NSG forces are likely to receive an electromagnetic system with features, including an inbuilt radar, a detector, and a radio-frequency jammer.
