Kerala Police to purchase anti-drone guns to destroy unauthorised drones

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Police is planning to purchase handheld anti-drone guns to destroy unauthorised drones. These guns can detect radio signals from drones within a 4 km range, freeze them, and force the drones to land. They can also destroy drones using laser technology. The purchase will be made under the State Plan Scheme for police modernisation. The anti-drone guns will be deployed during VIP programs and in high-security zones.

Kerala is a strategically important border region with space research centres, ports, and military bases, and it also has a 590 km coastline. While the Air Force has systems to defend against drone-based air attacks, drones often appear over the capital city, military areas, the police headquarters, and coastal regions, posing a serious security risk. A drone even flew close to the high-security Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. There was also a threat of drone attacks on the airport, and once, a drone crashed onto the runway. These incidents led to the decision to set up systems to disable drones.

How the system works

• It blocks the radio communication between drones and their operators, causing the drone to lose control.
• Like mobile phones have IMEI numbers, drones also carry unique IDs that reveal where they were manufactured. If someone flies a drone in restricted zones, cases can be filed against them.
• It works in all weather conditions and is cheaper than large fixed defence systems.

Restrictions in 82 locations

• Flying drones is banned within a 2 km radius of strategic areas. This includes Raj Bhavan, the government secretariat, ministerial residences, and a total of 82 key locations.
• Raj Bhavan, Secretariat, ministerial residences, ISRO centres, Southern Air Command, and airports are classified as high-security zones.
• Flying a drone near an airport is a serious offence under the Aircraft Act, punishable with 2 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.

Cost

Anti-drone guns cost between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 20 lakh each.

“Since Kerala is a border region, anti-drone guns are essential for the police to counter drone threats.”

-State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar