Conceptualising Counter-Drone Systems: A New Arms Race in South Asia

Abstract

In contemporary times, drones have evolved into an essential tool of modern warfare and a rapidly growing element of airpower. Drones of varying sizes, speed, types, and capabilities are being used by modern militaries for a variety of roles. The manifestation of novel concepts like ‘Loyal Wingman’ and ‘Swarming’ has further added to their lethality. Hence, defending against such credible threats has become a complex as well as daunting task for the militaries of this era. This raises the need for appropriate air defence systems to detect and, if required, bring down unauthorised drones. Their massive proliferation in both civil and security domains, as well as existing gaps in aerial defence systems, are the fundamental drivers of the tremendous development of the market for counter drone systems. This paper aims at conceptualising modern counter-drone systems, as well as their threat mitigation process and capabilities. It also intends to provide insight about how Indian 
acquisitions in this domain are triggering an arms race in South Asia which would have serious consequences for regional stability.