Threats from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

 Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Stresses Need for Comprehensive Counter-UAS System (C-UAS) for the Armed Forces

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) strategy to address the increasing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare.

Definition: A C-UAS is a system designed to detect, track, and neutralize drones and other unmanned aerial systems.

Threats from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS):

• Tactical Threat: Small drones used in swarm attacks targeting personnel and equipment. For example, in 2025, a swarm of Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's Black Sea port of Tuapse.
• Strategic Threat: UAS are used to target and destroy critical infrastructure, such as power grids and communication networks. A notable example is the Houthis' drone attack on Saudi oil facilities, causing extensive damage.
• Operational Threat: The proliferation of UAS enables terrorist groups to conduct strikes, surveillance, and other operations.

Countermeasures Against Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS):

• Remote ID: Mandatory identification for all commercial UAS, ensuring in-flight identification.
• No-Fly Firmware: Firmware designed to restrict UAS from entering no-fly zones and limit their carrying capacity.
• Detection: Early and long-range detection of UAS using various sensor technologies, such as radar and radio frequency sensors.
• Neutralization: Both non-kinetic (e.g., RF jamming, spoofing) and kinetic (e.g., missiles, nets, projectiles) methods to neutralize UAS threats.
• Adopting Global Best Practices: For example, Israel’s ‘Drone Dome System,’ a counter-UAV system.

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