Highlighting the rising menace of drone/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), he stressed on adopting 'whole of government' approach involving defense and research organizations to tackle the issue. 

Anti-Drone Systems

• About: These are methods/systems used to detect, track, and mitigate unauthorized UAVs or drones that may pose a security threat, like carrying explosives, conducting surveillance, or interfering with airspace, etc. 
• Technology Used: Radio Frequency jammers, Global Positioning System (GPS) spoofers, net guns, etc. 

Need for Anti-Drone Unit in India

• Rising Threats: Drones are increasingly used for illegal activities along borders. Over 260 have been intercepted in 2024 from Pakistani border. 
• Real-time detection, tracking and Neutralization: Particularly to safeguard areas such as airports, military installations, critical infrastructure, and public events.
• Counter Non-state actors: Drones are being used to smuggle weapons by terrorists to target civilians and security personnel. 
• Dual Use of drones: Along with their use for smuggling weapons, they are being used for combat missions and military reconnaissance. 
  • Example: Recently, Bangladesh flew a Bayraktar TB2 combat drone. 
• Internal Security: Recently militants in Manipur used drones to drop explosives raising concerns.