Understanding CUAS in India: The Future of Counter-Drone Technology

Lynn Dsouza
Apr 27
4 min read

Updated: Apr 28

Author: Lynn Frederick Dsouza

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, drones — or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) — have become integral to sectors such as logistics, agriculture, surveillance, disaster management, and infrastructure inspection. However, their increasing presence also brings critical security risks. Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) have emerged as India’s strategic response to neutralize potential drone threats in both civilian and military environments.

In this article, we explore what CUAS is, why it matters for India, the technologies involved, key tipping points, and how it shapes the future of national security operations.

What is CUAS?

Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) refer to technologies, policies, and strategies designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralize unauthorized or hostile drones. These systems play a pivotal role in protecting sensitive locations such as airports, government facilities, oil refineries, power plants, stadiums, defense bases, and national borders.

As drone technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated — both commercially and in hostile hands — India’s need for robust CUAS solutions is more urgent than ever.

Why is CUAS Important for India?

CUAS is critical for India’s internal and external security for several reasons:

Border Security: Drones are increasingly used to smuggle arms, narcotics, and contraband across sensitive border regions, particularly along the India–Pakistan border.
Terror Threats: Incidents like the drone attack on the Indian Air Force base in Jammu in 2021 have highlighted how drones can be weaponized by terrorist groups.
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Key sectors such as oil refineries, ports, power grids, and communication hubs require active drone threat monitoring.
Airspace Safety: With India witnessing a growing number of drones operating in urban airspace, rogue drones pose risks to commercial flights and general aviation.
Privacy Concerns: Unauthorized drone surveillance can compromise citizen privacy and state secrets.

CUAS technologies are no longer optional; they are a national security imperative.

Key Components of CUAS

An effective CUAS strategy typically involves four main stages:

1. Detection

The first step is early detection. CUAS systems deployed in India use:

Radar Systems: To monitor low-altitude, small object movements.
RF Sensors: To detect drone communication frequencies.
Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) Cameras: For visual confirmation and night surveillance.
Acoustic Sensors: To recognize drone-specific sound patterns.

Early warning is crucial for timely intervention, especially in high-risk zones like airports and military installations.

2. Tracking

Once detected, drones are tracked to predict their flight path and possible targets. Real-time tracking helps security agencies initiate prompt counteractions.

3. Identification

Differentiating between friendly, neutral, and hostile drones is essential. CUAS systems leverage AI algorithms and sensor fusion to assess drone payloads, size, type, and origin.

4. Mitigation

When necessary, drones are neutralized using:

RF Jamming: Disrupting the link between the drone and its operator.
Spoofing: Sending false navigation signals to misguide drones.
Kinetic Interdiction: Physical capture or destruction using nets, drones, or trained birds.
Directed Energy Weapons: Technologies like high-powered lasers are under trial in India under defense research projects.

The choice of method depends on the operational environment and legal permissions.

CUAS Tipping Points for India

Several key incidents have accelerated India's CUAS developments:

Jammu Drone Attack (2021): The attack using drones on an Indian Air Force station was a major wake-up call for Indian defense planners.
Cross-border Smuggling: Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir have reported a sharp rise in cross-border drone drops of weapons and narcotics, compelling urgent CUAS deployments by BSF and other agencies.
Major Events and Summits: India's hosting of G20 events and other global summits required temporary no-drone zones and advanced CUAS protection.
Policy Push: India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the Drone Rules, 2021, and subsequent frameworks to regulate and protect airspace, while the Ministry of Home Affairs initiated procurement of CUAS for security forces.
Swarm Threats: Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private players are investing in solutions against swarm drone attacks, a potential future threat.

These events established CUAS as an essential layer of India’s homeland and border security strategy.

CUAS Technologies: Innovations and Trends in India

India’s CUAS sector is rapidly innovating with:

Indigenous Development: Organizations like DRDO, BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited), and private startups are building homegrown CUAS technologies.
AI-Powered Detection: Smart systems using machine learning for pattern recognition are being deployed to improve accuracy.
Mobile and Scalable Units: Portable CUAS platforms are being developed for quick deployment during events or in conflict zones.
Cybersecurity and CUAS: Protecting CUAS itself from hacking and cyber threats is becoming a key focus.
Non-Kinetic Neutralization: Exploring soft-kill technologies that cause minimal damage or disruption.

India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission is boosting CUAS innovation and manufacturing domestically.

Regulatory and Legal Considerations in India

CUAS deployment in India is governed by a mix of defense, civil aviation, and internal security regulations:

The Drone Rules, 2021: Classify and regulate civilian drone usage in India.
Ministry of Home Affairs: Grants permissions for CUAS procurement and use by police, paramilitary, and defense forces.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): Oversees drone registration and operations.
Defense Procurement: Agencies procure CUAS solutions under defense procurement policies, ensuring operational sovereignty and national security.

Only authorized government agencies are permitted to deploy kinetic or electronic CUAS technologies.

The Future of CUAS in India

The Indian CUAS market is expected to witness rapid growth, driven by:

Rising incidents of drone intrusions.
Increasing adoption of drones in logistics, agriculture, and surveillance sectors.
Government initiatives like the 'Drone Shakti' program promoting drone innovation and ecosystem building.

Future CUAS systems in India will likely emphasize:

Higher Autonomy: AI and machine learning-driven autonomous CUAS systems.
Integrated Smart City Airspace Security: Linking CUAS with smart city infrastructure for seamless protection.
Multi-Layered Defense: Combining physical, electronic, and cyber-countermeasures.

According to industry estimates, India’s drone defense market could surpass INR 3,000 crore (approximately USD 360 million) by 2030, aligning with the overall rise in defense and homeland security budgets (FICCI-EY, 2022).

Conclusion

CUAS is no longer a futuristic aspiration in India — it is a national necessity.

As drone usage grows across industries and adversaries alike, CUAS technologies must evolve to match emerging threats. For India, investing in advanced, indigenous CUAS capabilities is not just about defense; it is about securing the economic, civil, and strategic future of the country.

In the new era of airborne technologies, a secure sky is the foundation of national sovereignty. For more information please contact: Lynn Frederick Dsouza, Founder & Director - ESPIRIDI, Email: lynn.dsouza@espiridi.com or visit espiridi.com