India deploys anti-drone systems across airports nationwide

India is taking a major step toward strengthening airport security as the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) jointly decide to deploy anti-drone systems across major and minor civilian airports. The move comes amid rising global military tensions and the growing use of drones in modern warfare, prompting India to prepare for potential future threats.

The plan was initially focused on high-risk airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Jammu, and Srinagar. These locations were prioritised based on learnings from ‘Operation Sindoor’ and increasing global incidents where drones have been used for surveillance or attacks.

With drones becoming inexpensive and easily accessible, the risk they pose to strategic aviation assets has increased significantly. Officials revealed that the installed anti-drone systems will be capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising rogue drones before they pose a threat. This is the first time India will deploy such technology at airports that handle only passenger aircraft, marking a big shift in the country’s approach to civil aviation security. The systems aim to prevent intrusions, protect airspace, and avoid disruptions to flight operations.

The decision follows several rounds of high-level meetings involving security and aviation authorities. While the Ministry of Home Affairs is leading the project, BCAS has formed a specialised committee featuring experts from DGCA, CISF, and other stakeholders. This coordination ensures that both regulatory and operational needs are addressed during implementation.

The committee is currently finalising the specifications, operational guidelines, and placement strategies for the anti-drone systems. The focus is on integrating advanced technology that can work seamlessly with existing airport security frameworks. Once the modalities are approved, procurement and phased installation will begin across the country.

This initiative represents a crucial upgrade in India’s civil aviation security landscape. By proactively preparing for emerging threats, India aims to protect passengers, aircraft, and critical infrastructure from drone-led disruptions or attacks, ensuring safer skies for the future.