Bhubaneswar: Odisha police are set to procure their own anti-drone system to detect, track and neutralise unauthorised drones, strengthening aerial security across the state. So far, the state police have relied on National Security Guard (NSG) to deploy the latter’s counter-drone technology only during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri.Now, the police have floated a tender to procure an anti-drone gun capable of jamming radio frequencies of rogue unmanned aircraft within a range of 2 km. Former DGP Y B Khurania had sent a proposal to the govt last year to equip the force with counter-unmanned aerial technology.“Following the govt’s approval, we have floated a tender to select an agency to supply the anti-drone radio frequency jammer. We plan to deploy it primarily for coastal security surveillance. It can also be mobilised near Jagannath temple following frequent detection of drones over the shrine and during VVIP programmes,” a senior police officer told TOI.The proposed system will combine radar detection, radio frequency analysis and optical sensors to identify unauthorised flying objects in restricted airspace. It will also help police distinguish authorised drones from potential security threats and track multiple targets simultaneously, including their location, altitude and direction of flight.According to the technical specifications, the anti-drone gun will weigh around 5 kg and offer a jamming range of 2 km. It will be handheld or backpack-mounted, with the option of tripod mounting, and designed for operation during both day and night.“The device will disrupt communication between a drone and its remote controller by jamming data links across multiple radio frequency bands. Once activated, the system is expected to neutralise a target within 10 seconds, forcing it to land, hover in place or return along its flight path. The disruption will also stop video transmission from the drone to its operator,” the officer said.The equipment will feature a compact design and a controller-panel interface allowing operators to select the required jamming modes. Police expect the technology to help ground suspicious drones and prevent potential security breaches in sensitive locations.The procurement is part of efforts to strengthen surveillance and protect restricted airspace. Under the Drone Rules, 2021, issued by the Union civil aviation ministry, drone operators must comply with applicable registration and identification requirements. The rules require registration of eligible unmanned aircraft on Airports Authority of India’s DigitalSky platform and issuance of a unique identification number.
