UAVs need of the hour in countering militancy: Experts

The government must focus on large-scale procurement of UAVs to maximize the capability of operational forces, experts opine.

Hyderabad: The latest ambush carried out by insurgents on April 3 killed 22 security personnel at the Sukma-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh. The attack also brought to fore the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to mitigate fatalities and risks. In any battle, strategy is the key to conquer the enemy. Strategy execution would be easier if one can detect enemy movements without revealing theirs. UAVs, also known as drones, can be crucial in thwarting enemy snares without any casualties, several IPS officers opine.

UAVs with state-of-the-art technology can travel 100 km at a stretch, fly at an altitude of 2,000 feet and function non-stop for 24 hours. They can also detect the movements of people hiding behind thickets or trees through body temperature sensors besides capturing images in real time. A veteran IPS officer said the security forces must be equipped with such drones during combing operations.

In some cases, Maoists sidetrack the security forces and intelligence agencies with false information. Such traps have killed many personnel, the Chhattisgarh ambush being the most recent. A retired IPS officer said using UAVs to check for Maoists in a given would help police personnel make necessary arrangements.

UAVs in CRPF

In April 2010, 75 CRPF soldiers and personnel from the Chhattisgarh Police were killed in a Maoist attack at Dantewada. After the attack, CRPF officials wasted no time in procuring UAVs. Two years later, in 2012, the personnel deployed these UAVs to identify the movements of Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur forest.

In April 2017, 25 CRPF personnel were killed by Naxals at Chintagufa-Burkapal, Chhattisgarh. After a few years, the Union home minister launched 'Operation Samadhan'. Security forces operating in Red Corridor were mandated to use at least 2 UAVs.

By the end of this May, the CRPF is expected to procure drones such as Netra V 2 and Micro UAV A-410 on a large scale.

Unique features

During security operations, UAVs issue early warnings to personnel. Besides tracking down insurgent groups, information can be relayed from time to time using drones. Further, UAVs also assess the geographical circumstances and natural barriers in the region.

Added advantages

The use of UAVs during combing operations in dense forests will certainly be an added advantage to the security forces. At present, drones are used by the CRPF personnel. However, the time, distance and altitude of flight, and their ability to withstand unfavourable conditions are not too promising. The combing teams must have backup UAVs that can fly for days together during the operation. Skilled technicians are needed to operate them and analyze the captured images. Through this information, the control room can understand the size and location of insurgent groups. The personnel on the field can be directed accordingly. Optimal benefits can be expected only when six or seven UAVs could be deployed on all sides of the operation area. The government must focus on large-scale procurement of UAVs to maximize the capability of operational forces, experts opine.