The rapid growth of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, has transformed areas such as logistics, agriculture, and media. However, their easy availability also creates serious security risks, especially during VVIP movements and public events. Misused drones can conduct surveillance, carry harmful payloads, disrupt communication systems, or create panic among crowds. Unlike ground threats, drones exploit open airspace and can bypass conventional security barriers. Consequently, preventing and controlling unauthorised drone activity has become a key priority in India’s VVIP security planning and overall public safety strategy.
Threat Profile
Commercial drones are inexpensive, easily available, and highly adaptable, making them attractive tools for hostile groups. They can be misused for surveillance, intelligence gathering, delivery of weapons or explosive payloads, interference with GPS and communication systems, and creating panic or disruption during public events. Because drones can easily cross walls and perimeter barriers, traditional ground security alone is insufficient. Effective protection therefore requires a layered, air-focused security framework. This need is becoming more urgent as cross-border drone intrusions and coordinated drone swarm incidents are increasing in frequency and sophistication.
Intelligence Gathering and Pre‑Event Planning
Effective security starts with timely and accurate intelligence gathering before the event. Authorities monitor hostile groups, recent drone-related incidents, and patterns of UAV activity, including cross-border smuggling or movements near sensitive areas. The local terrain is carefully studied to identify possible drone launch points such as rooftops, open fields, or concealed urban spaces. Risks are assessed by considering the VVIP’s profile, the scale of the event, crowd density, and prevailing security conditions. This advance planning shifts security from a reactive approach to a preventive one, allowing layered and well-coordinated protective measures to be deployed well before the VVIP’s arrival.
Technological Counter-UAS Solutions
India has developed a strong, largely indigenous counter-UAS system that complies with DGCA civil aviation rules and military standards. The system is built on three key functions: detection, identification and tracking, and neutralisation. Detection begins with 360-degree radar coverage, supported by radio-frequency scanners that sense control signals, along with electro-optical, infrared, and acoustic sensors to spot even low-noise drones. AI-based software then identifies and tracks the drone, differentiates authorised UAVs from hostile ones, maps its flight path, and locates the operator in real time, ensuring accurate and timely situational awareness.
Graduated neutralisation:
Graduated neutralisation follows a step-by-step response, starting with non-destructive measures and moving to stronger options only if required. It begins with soft methods such as RF jamming, GPS denial or spoofing, and protocol interference to disrupt or divert hostile drones. Advanced cyber techniques can also force a drone to land safely. If the threat continues, kinetic options like micro-missiles may be used. As a last resort, directed-energy weapons can neutralise the drone with minimal collateral damage. Mobile counter-drone units protect moving VVIP convoys, while strict safeguards ensure civilian aircraft and authorised drones are not affected.
Integration with Ground‑Level Security
Counter-UAS measures are integrated with overall ground security to create a strong, layered defence. This includes secure perimeters and controlled entry points, monitoring of rooftops and high ground, and Quick Reaction Teams trained to handle drone-related threats. A unified command structure ensures seamless coordination among SPG, NSG, local police, intelligence agencies, and aviation authorities.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensure quick and proportionate action during a threat. They define how a drone is detected and when to escalate, who has the authority to respond—giving priority to non-destructive measures first—and how communication flows between agencies. SOPs also cover lockdown or evacuation if needed and post-incident investigation to preserve evidence. Regular joint drills help identify gaps and improve coordination among agencies.
Public Awareness & Compliance
Ahead of any VVIP event, public awareness is ensured through coordinated messages via local media and digital platforms. Citizens are informed about declared no-drone zones, applicable legal consequences for violations, and dedicated helplines to report suspicious UAV activity. This proactive outreach discourages accidental breaches, promotes compliance with security measures, and encourages public vigilance as an additional layer of intelligence support.
After‑Action Review & Capability Development
After each high-profile security mission, a thorough evaluation assesses drone system performance (detection speed, response times, team coordination), identifies gaps in processes or tech, and adapts training programs with advanced tools to address evolving threats like AI-driven drones and coordinated swarm attacks.
Limitations in Preventing Drone Attacks During VVIP Visits at the District Level
Preventive measures against drone attacks during VVIP visits in district areas of India face several limitations. Most of the districts lack advanced counter-drone systems, skilled operators, and continuous airspace surveillance. Coordination gaps among local police, intelligence agencies, civil aviation authorities, and central forces often slow decision-making. Dense urban layouts, uncontrolled rooftops, and easy access to commercial drones complicate detection and response. Legal and regulatory constraints on jamming or kinetic interception further restrict timely action. Limited public awareness and inconsistent enforcement of no-drone zones also weaken preventive efforts, leaving district-level security frameworks vulnerable to emerging drone threats.
Legal Constraints in Countering Drone Threats During VVIP Visits
From a legal standpoint, preventing drone threats during VVIP visits in India is affected by regulatory and jurisdictional constraints. Counter-drone actions such as jamming, spoofing, or physical neutralisation are governed by aviation, telecommunications, and defence laws, all of which require proper authorisation. District-level authorities often lack clear statutory guidance on decision-making powers and escalation thresholds. Liability concerns relating to air safety, civilian harm, and damage to property further discourage swift action. These legal uncertainties can delay response times, underscoring the need for clearer laws and uniform legal protocols for counter-drone operations during VVIP security arrangements.
Way Forward: Strengthening Drone Security During VVIP Visits
The way forward lies in building a clear, unified, and district-ready counter-drone framework. This requires explicit legal empowerment for local authorities, standardised SOPs for escalation and neutralisation, and wider deployment of indigenous counter-UAS systems. Regular joint training of district police with central forces and aviation agencies is essential, along with real-time intelligence sharing. Stronger enforcement of drone registration and no-drone zones, supported by public awareness, will reduce misuse. Together, legal clarity, technology, training, and coordination can transform VVIP drone security from a reactive response into a proactive and resilient system.
Conclusion
Drone intrusions pose a serious and evolving threat to VVIP security in India, demanding a shift from traditional, ground-centric protection to a comprehensive airspace security approach. As drones become cheaper, smarter, and more accessible, effective prevention must rest on timely intelligence, robust indigenous counter-UAS technology, clear SOPs, legal clarity, and strong inter-agency coordination. Public awareness and post-event reviews further strengthen resilience. While district-level limitations and legal constraints remain challenges, a unified framework combining law, technology, training, and accountability can significantly enhance preparedness. A proactive, layered strategy is essential to safeguard VVIP movements and maintain public safety in an increasingly drone-dominated environment.
