India has stepped up its search for anti-drone systems by using the emergency procurement procedure. This is because drones are becoming the most popular way to do military, security, and offensive operations.
Last week, the defence ministry sent out an Acceptance of Necessity (AON) for 20 drone jammers that can be mounted on vehicles and a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 200 drone jammers that can be carried by one person.
On January 12, at the usual press conference before Army Day, Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande said he was worried that enemies were using drones to move weapons, ammunition, and explosives across the border into Kashmir, Jammu, and Punjab. “In these areas, we have put up drone jammers and spoofers. Reports say that their effectiveness is good, “Gen Pande had said.
The new systems being looked for will be put up on the borders, both on the Line of Control and International Border with Pakistan and along the Line of Actual Control with China.
On the AON, the document says the vehicle-based drone jammer “should provide Multi Sensor based (at least two sensors) complete and comprehensive solution with regards to UAS/Drone and SWARMS.”
“The system should be able to find swarms, drones, and UAS coming at the same time from different directions, track them, identify them, and stop them.”
“It should integrate all sensors for detection and identify threats to give the operator a complete picture of the air situation and make it easier to choose and manage responses for countering UAS/drones with jammer systems,” it said.
In the defence ministry’s request for proposals (RFP) for 200 man-portable drone jammers, it says that the platform should be able to find and jam all types of drones and quadcopters in the field.
Radio Frequency (RF) and any other sensors needed to find and attack targets will be part of the system. All of the information from the sensors should be combined through a C2 (Command and Control) system so that the system can work well.
The range for target acquisition and identification (detection) should be at least 5 km, while the range for countermeasures (jamming) should be at least 2 km.
The platform should be able to work in an area with a high altitude and very cold weather, with temperatures ranging from -10 to +45° C.
Based on the specifics, these anti-drone systems are likely to be set up near the Indian borders.
