Lack of Anti-Drone Equipment on Warships Poses Challenge While Guarding Waters
Merchant ships and oil tankers sailing through the Red Sea face a significant risk due to the absence of anti-drone equipment on warships. With the threat of Houthi missiles, Iranian loitering ammunition, and piratical activities by Somali pirates, these vulnerable vessels become easy targets. To counter these threats, a frontline frigate of the INS Talwar class is en route to the central Arabian Sea, joining other destroyers deployed to deter missile attacks. However, warships from countries like the US, France, the UK, Spain, Japan, Italy, and Denmark lack specific anti-drone systems such as high-energy lasers or microwave weapons. While long-range guns and surface-to-air missiles have proven effective for shooting down drones and missiles, some platforms refrain from using jamming or spoofing techniques to avoid communication interference. Navies in the region have also established a protective corridor stretching from the southern Red Sea to the western coast of India, prohibiting the entry of suspicious vessels. Additionally, the US, French, and Indian navies are utilizing long-range drones, surveillance aircraft, and helicopters to enhance maritime domain awareness and ensure the safety of merchant ships and oil tankers in the red zone.
Experts underline the importance of addressing this critical gap in anti-drone capabilities. Commander Abhishek Kapoor, a naval strategist, emphasizes, Warships need to be equipped with advanced anti-drone systems to effectively counter emerging threats in the region. This gap in ability puts not only merchant ships and oil tankers but also naval vessels at risk. He further highlights the significance of employing multiple defense measures, stating, While long-range guns and surface-to-air missiles are useful, incorporating jamming or spoofing techniques can provide an added layer of defense, disrupting enemy drones and safeguarding communication.
Despite the lack of comprehensive anti-drone equipment, Indian warships have been proactive in protecting the sea lanes. Boarding suspicious vessels, navy sailors conduct thorough checks for weapons and loitering ammunition. The formation of a protective corridor by friendly navies signals their commitment to ensuring safe navigation and preserving maritime security.
The need for heightened surveillance and awareness in the region has led to the deployment of long-range drones, surveillance aircraft, and helicopters. These assets aid in monitoring the activities of merchant shipping and oil tankers, helping to deter potential threats and swiftly respond to any security breaches. Rear Admiral Praveen Garg highlights the significance of such measures, stating, Maintaining a strong presence and utilizing advanced technology are crucial for safeguarding vital sea lanes. The deployment of long-range drones and surveillance aircraft enables us to gather real-time intelligence and take proactive measures to protect maritime interests.
It is imperative for naval forces operating in the region to prioritize the acquisition and deployment of anti-drone systems. As the frequency and sophistication of drone attacks continue to rise, equipping warships with cutting-edge technology becomes vital for countering emerging threats. The establishment of protective corridors and the use of advanced surveillance assets are commendable steps, but comprehensive anti-drone capabilities must be the focus moving forward.
In conclusion, the lack of specific anti-drone equipment on warships poses a significant challenge while guarding the waters. Efforts are being made to counter this threat, with the deployment of naval vessels, the establishment of protective corridors, and the utilization of surveillance assets. However, the absence of advanced anti-drone systems on warships remains a critical gap that needs to be addressed to ensure the security of merchant ships, oil tankers, and naval vessels navigating the region’s waters.
