Is India ready for drone terrorism? | Gravitas | World News | WION

GRAVITAS

2 Sept 202404:57

Summary

TLDRIn Manipur, India, a drone attack killed two and injured ten, marking the first use of drones in the region's ethnic violence. The incident, which involved at least seven drones, signifies a dangerous escalation, suggesting the involvement of highly trained professionals. With India's border security forces already confronting drone threats from Pakistan, this internal attack raises concerns about the country's anti-drone measures. The Indian military's adoption of laser-based drone detection systems may offer a solution, but the incident underscores the need for enhanced domestic security strategies.

Takeaways

🔥 A drone attack in Manipur resulted in two deaths and over 10 injuries, marking a new level of escalation in the region's conflict.
🚨 The use of drones to drop bombs is unprecedented in Manipur, which has been dealing with ethnic violence for over a year.
👮‍♂️ Among the injured were a journalist and two police personnel, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack.
🤖 At least seven drones were reportedly used in the attack, indicating a coordinated and possibly well-planned operation.
🚫 The Manipur police have acknowledged the significant escalation, suggesting the involvement of highly trained professionals with technical expertise.
🛰️ In 2023, India's border security force shot down 125 drones from Pakistan, demonstrating a growing drone threat along the border.
💊 Drones have been used by Pakistan to smuggle drugs, arms, and fake currency into India, showing their utility in illicit activities.
🏞️ The Western border sees the use of DJI Mavic 3 Classic drones for smuggling heroin, opium, and light weapons.
🔍 The origin of the drones used in Manipur remains unknown, raising questions about the source and accessibility of such technology.
🛡️ India has developed laser-based integrated drone detection and interdiction systems (IDDIS) to counter drone threats, indicating a proactive approach to drone warfare.

Q & A

What recent event involving drones occurred in Manipur?
-In Manipur, an attack took place in the Kruk Village where militants used drones to drop bombs, resulting in two deaths and at least ten injuries, including a journalist and two police personnel.
How many drones were reportedly used in the Manipur attack?
-At least seven drones were reportedly used in the attack in Manipur.
What does this drone attack signify in terms of escalation in Manipur's conflict?
-The drone attack in Manipur marks a significant escalation, indicating the involvement of highly trained professionals with technical expertise and support, which was previously not seen in the region's ethnic violence.
How has India's border security force responded to drone threats from Pakistan?
-In 2023, India's border security force shot down 125 drones from Pakistan, which were often used to smuggle drugs, arms, and fake currency into India.
What are the common uses of drones along India's Western border?
-DJI Mavic 3 Classic drones are commonly used along India's Western border to smuggle heroin, opium, and light weapons.
What is unknown about the drones used in the Manipur attack?
-It is currently unknown what specific type of drones were used in the Manipur attack and where the militants obtained them from.
How easily accessible are drones in India despite the ban on Chinese imports?
-Drones are easily accessible in India, either by ordering them online or purchasing them in person from stores, and Chinese-made drones are also available on the black market.
What is the potential risk if militants in India start using drones to fire RPGs?
-The potential risk of militants using drones to fire RPGs is a frightening escalation that could lead to more significant damage and casualties, necessitating a rethink of anti-drone tactics in domestic security.
What technology has the Indian military inducted to counter drone threats?
-The Indian military has inducted laser-based integrated drone detection and interdiction systems, known as ID Andis, designed by India's Defense Research and Development Organization and Par Electronics Limited.
What capabilities does the ID Andis system have?
-The ID Andis system can detect, jam, and destroy enemy drones within a range of 5 to 8 km, primarily aimed at safeguarding India's LAC with China.
What measures might be taken to enhance security in conflict zones within India in light of the drone threat?
-Security agencies may consider installing similar anti-drone systems as the ID Andis in conflict zones within India and increase aerial surveillance to counter the drone threat.

Outlines

00:00

🔥 Drone Warfare in India: A New Threat

The script discusses a drone attack in Manipur, India, where militants used drones to drop bombs, resulting in casualties including a journalist and police personnel. This marks the first instance of drone warfare in the region, which has been grappling with ethnic violence. The police have acknowledged the significant escalation, hinting at the involvement of highly trained professionals with technical expertise. The script also mentions India's border security challenges, with over 125 drones being shot down from Pakistan, which are used to smuggle contraband. The concern is raised about the source of the drones used by militants in Manipur and the ease with which recreational drones can be weaponized. The discussion concludes with the need for India to reconsider its anti-drone tactics and possibly deploy advanced detection and interdiction systems within the country.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Drone Warfare

Drone warfare refers to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, in military operations. These operations can include surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat roles. In the context of the video, drone warfare is exemplified by the recent attack in Manipur, India, where militants used drones to drop bombs, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. This incident underscores the growing trend of weaponizing drones in various conflict zones, which has implications for military strategy and counter-terrorism efforts.

💡Manipur

Manipur is a state in northeastern India that has been experiencing ethnic violence, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The video script mentions a drone attack in Manipur, which resulted in casualties and injuries, including among security forces and civilians. This event signifies a shift in the tactics used in the region, with drones being employed for the first time in such a manner, indicating a potential new phase in the conflict.

💡Ethnic Violence

Ethnic violence refers to conflicts that arise due to tensions between different ethnic groups. In the video's context, Manipur has been battling ethnic violence for over a year, which has led to significant loss of life and displacement. The use of drones in the recent attack adds a new dimension to this ongoing issue, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation and the need for new strategies to address the conflict.

💡Weaponized Drones

Weaponized drones are UAVs that have been modified to carry and deploy weapons, such as bombs or missiles. The video script discusses the use of weaponized drones by militants in Manipur, which is a concerning development as it indicates a shift from drones being used for surveillance to active combat roles. This raises questions about the regulation of drone technology and the need for countermeasures against such threats.

💡Drone Smuggling

Drone smuggling involves the illicit transportation of drones, often for nefarious purposes such as drug trafficking or arms smuggling. The video mentions instances where drones have been used to smuggle drugs and arms across borders. This highlights the dual-use nature of drone technology and the challenges it poses to border security and law enforcement agencies.

💡Anti-Drone Systems

Anti-drone systems are technologies and strategies designed to detect, disrupt, or neutralize hostile drones. The video script alludes to the need for India to rethink its anti-drone tactics in light of the recent attacks. This includes the deployment of systems like the ID Andis, which can detect, jam, and destroy enemy drones, emphasizing the importance of such technologies in modern defense strategies.

💡Line of Actual Control (LAC)

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) refers to the de facto border between India and China, which has been a point of contention and occasional conflict. The video mentions the use of drones by India's border security forces to counter incursions and smuggling along the LAC, illustrating the role of drone technology in border surveillance and national security.

💡DJI Mavic 3 Classic

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is a type of drone mentioned in the video script, which is primarily used for smuggling heroin, opium, and light weapons along the Western border. This example highlights how commercial drones can be repurposed for illicit activities, contributing to security challenges in the region.

💡Black Market

The black market refers to the illegal trade of goods and services. The video script suggests that despite bans on certain drone imports, such as those from China, drones are still accessible through the black market. This indicates the challenges in regulating drone technology and the need for robust enforcement mechanisms to curb the illicit trade.

💡Weaponization

Weaponization in the context of the video refers to the process of converting non-military equipment, such as recreational drones, into devices capable of delivering explosives or other weapons. The script mentions the concern that militants within India are obtaining and weaponizing drones, which poses a significant threat and necessitates a reevaluation of security measures.

Highlights

Attack in Manipur using drones results in two deaths and over ten injuries.

Manipur police state the use of drones in the attack marks a significant escalation.

India's border security Force shot down 125 drones from Pakistan in 2023.

Drones are used by Pakistan to smuggle drugs, arms, and fake currency into India.

Militants in Manipur are suspected of using drones for the first time in an attack.

The origin and type of drones used by militants in Manipur remain unknown.

Drones are easily available for purchase online or in stores, despite bans on certain imports.

Recreational drones have been modified for use in warfare in Ukraine and Myanmar.

The weaponization of drones in Manipur poses a frightening turn of events.

There are reports of militants potentially using drones to fire RPGs.

India may need to rethink its anti-drone tactics in light of domestic militant use.

The Indian military has inducted laser-based drone detection and interdiction systems.

ID Andis, designed by DRDO and Par Electronics, can detect, jam, and destroy enemy drones.

Security agencies may consider installing similar systems in conflict zones within India.

Increasing aerial surveillance could be a strategy to counter drone threats.