During the recent Ayodhya Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha event and on other occasions, the police used anti-drone systems borrowed from the National Security Guard (NSG), Special Protection Group (SPG) or other security forces. (PTI File)
Based on the assessment of threat, these systems will allow the police to take suitable decisions in different situations. One of which is to execute a soft kill, that is a laser-based destruction mechanism that can be used against the enemy drones, said an officer
Israel-made anti-drone systems are likely to soon guard the Ayodhya Ram Temple, along with some other top vital installations in Uttar Pradesh, police sources have confirmed to CNN-News18.
The UP Police have completed the procurement process and the advanced shield systems are expected to soon be a part of latest technologies that already are in use by the largest police force in the country.
This is the first time that an anti-drone technology is being procured by the Uttar Pradesh police. During the recent Ayodhya Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha event and on other occasions, the police used anti-drone systems borrowed from the National Security Guard (NSG), Special Protection Group (SPG) or other security forces.
CNN-News18 has learnt that these anti-drone systems manufactured in Israel were shortlisted after detailed trials. The system will not only detect any drone in a radius of 3-5 kilometers, but will also have the potential to disable any enemy drone in its radar.
“Based on the assessment of threat, these systems will allow the police to take suitable decisions in different situations. One of which is to execute a soft kill, that is a laser-based destruction mechanism that can be used against the enemy drones. The technology also allows the police to hack the enemy drone and ensure a safe, yet guided landing or execute a self-destruction of the enemy drone. Snipers will also be deployed with these systems, who will be trained hard kill, which is shooting down such drones in case of use of laser or other technologies that are not advisable,” said an officer, privy to the technology.
Around 10 of these anti-drone systems are being procured by the UP police. “These will be installed at sensitive installations in cities across the state such as Lucknow, Varanasi and Mathura and on need basis. The process is complete and we expect the devices to be handed over soon,” the officer added.
Senior officers believe that such a technology will not only strengthen the UP Police in tightening its vigil during mega events like the recent Ram Temple’s Pran Pratishtha, but also help them fight new-age threats.
“Drones are modern-age weapons and we have already seen their lethal misuse around the world. Fortunately, we have not had any such situation to deal with so far, but it is always good to be geared up for the safety of our people and our valued assets,” said another officer.
