The major airports in the country will soon have anti-drone systems installed to be able to thwart any possible attack using rogue drones, media has learnt. The decision has been taken in the wake of military escalations from around the world, including Operation Sindoor, wherein drones emerged as an effective tool for new-age warfare.

This is the first time that airports dealing only with civil aviation will have such systems installed. Officials aware of the developments in the Ministry of Home Affairs told media that multiple high-level meetings have been held to discuss the matter. While MHA is overseeing the project, a committee has been formed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which has members from the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) that secures airports in the country and other relevant stakeholders.

“The specifications of the system are being worked upon. MHA is overseeing related developments and once specifications are finalised, the procurement will begin," said a senior officer from the ministry.

Another officer told News18 that the project will be completed in phases. While the initial phase will focus on sensitive airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, Jammu, etc., gradually the facility will be extended to the non-sensitive ones also.

“Deadlines will be fixed once specifications are finalised and the airport operators are directed to install the technology that fits our criteria. Models successfully existing at other airports outside India are also being studied for effective implementation," the officer added.

After the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025, the military escalation that followed between India and Pakistan displayed how without crossing the international boundary, Indian forces had struck terrorist infrastructure, eliminating multiple threats in Pakistani territory.

Pakistani drones were also seen hovering over Indian territory, many of which were shot down by the Indian defence systems.

Officials say this has also emerged as one of the major reasons for securing the airports with anti-drone systems, especially those closer to the international borders and dealing with civil aviation.

Source: News18