THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Flying drones over air routes and high-security zones, including military areas in the capital, poses a serious security threat. Drones have been spotted over airport runways, near army bases, above the police headquarters, and along coastal areas. The latest incident involved a drone flying near the eastern tower of the highly protected Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Although the police possess an anti-drone system (Aakash Kavach), they have been unable to completely prevent drone flights over restricted areas. In February, there was even a threat of an attack using drones at the airport. Despite previous drone sightings above the temple, the culprits have not been apprehended. Recently, three drone sightings were reported near the airport, including an incident where a drone crashed on the runway. The crashed drone appeared to be a toy model.

Operation Udaan, launched in collaboration with ISRO to prevent unauthorized drone activity, has been discontinued. In 2019, drones were flown near key defense locations such as the Coast Guard center, Southern Air Command base, and Pangode Army Station—these incidents were investigated by military intelligence. Drones have also been flown over areas from Kovalam to Thumba and over flyovers.

Unique identification numbers
Military personnel are authorized to shoot down drones flying over military bases without special permission. The police's anti-drone system can detect drones within a 5-kilometer radius and jam them using radio frequencies or lasers, forcing them to land. Like mobile phones with IMEI numbers, drones also carry unique IDs that can help trace their origin.

Collision risks with aircraft
Drone collisions with aircraft are highly dangerous. These low-flying objects often go undetected by radar. A collision can result in loss of aircraft control. The high-speed rotating propellers of drones increase impact severity, potentially damaging engines and causing fires. The aircraft's digital control systems may also malfunction. A drone can damage a wing in just a fraction of a second. Drones are banned within a 3-kilometer radius of airports.

2-kilometer no-drone zones

• Drone flights are banned within a 2-kilometer radius of sensitive strategic locations. There are 82 such critical zones, including Raj Bhavan (Governor’s Residence), the Secretariat, ministerial offices, and ISRO centers.
• Flying a drone near an airport is a criminal offense under the Aircraft Act, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine of Rs 10 lakh.

"Flying drones in security zones and sensitive areas is a serious criminal offense. Those who flew drones near the temple will be identified."
– Thomson Jose, City Police Commissioner