CISF New Chief Calls For Drone Expertise Amid Attacks in Manipur, Israel-India Discuss Threat From UAVs

The drone attack in Manipur by alleged Kuki militant groups on civilians and forces has prompted other forces to address the issue. In fact, different forces have been seeking expert agencies on drones. Interestingly, in the first meeting chaired by the new Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, after assuming office, asked the force officials to identify an agency with expertise in drones.

The meeting was held a day after Manipur saw unprecedented drone attacks by militants. According to an official communication accessed by News18, Bhatti also inquired in a high-level meeting about the CISF’s role in dealing with drone or UAV attacks. The DG asked if dealing with drone or aerial threats is part of their mandate and requested information on the rules and specific provisions regarding this issue.

CISF has recently taken over the security of Parliament following a significant security breach. The force has assumed responsibility from the CRPF and Delhi Police. In addition, CISF secures almost all major airports, including those in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, as well as government ministries like the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs. The force also protects various dams and other vital installations, all of which are at risk of aerial attacks.

Apart from CISF, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is gearing up for anti-drone and UAV technologies. The CRPF has been testing and exploring high-tech, AI-enabled UAVs for operations in Jammu and Kashmir and against Naxals amid a series of terrorist attacks. The largest Central Armed Police Force, CRPF, is also seeking anti-drone technology for Jammu and Kashmir.

Indo-Israel Seminar on Drone Threat

Meanwhile, in response to the Manipur attack, the Israeli Ministry of Defence and the Indian Ministry of Defence, along with other stakeholders, held a seminar in Delhi to enhance security cooperation between Israel and India in combating drone threats. During the seminar, Israel shared its operational experience and advanced technological capabilities with India, aiming to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.

The seminar focused on addressing the growing threat of drones, both from security and criminal perspectives, as these drones can be used for intelligence gathering, carrying weapons, and conducting precise attacks.