The Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security have decided to install anti-drone systems at all major and minor civil airports across India. The decision was taken in a high-level joint meeting and comes in the wake of increasing security risks and the likelihood of future war-like situations, senior officials said on Sunday.
The government’s decision has been influenced by the experience gained during Operation Sindoor, following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed.
After the attack, India and Pakistan were involved in a tense military exchange. Indian forces carried out strikes on terrorist bases inside Pakistan and Pakistani drones were flying over Indian territory, several of which were shot down by India’s defence systems. These events highlighted how drones are being used as tools in contemporary warfare and how they pose risks to civilian areas, including airports.
While the lasting plan is to cover all airports, officials said the project will be implemented in phases. In the first phase, anti-drone systems will be installed at Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Jammu and Srinagar airports.
These sites were chosen because they have faced higher security threats and were directly involved in the military escalation. First time anti-drone tech will be used at purely civilian airports
This is the first time India will position anti-drone systems at airports handling only civilian passenger traffic. Until now, such systems were primarily used by defence and border security agencies. The systems will help detect, track and neutralize any rogue drone entering airport airspace, a significant step as drones have become effective tools in new-age conflict. The MHA is leading the project, while BCAS has formed a committee to handle planning and execution. This committee includes representatives from:
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Airport security and technical experts
• Other relevant stakeholders
The government is at present reviewing the technical specifications of the anti-drone equipment. Once confirmed, the MHA will coordinate with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and direct airport operators to connect systems that meet national security requirements. The government is also studying anti-drone models already in use at key airports abroad to accept the most effective technology. Deadlines for installations at various airports will be set after the specifications are approved.
Source: mathrubhumi.com
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