Drones are now vital tools for both military and civilian operations in the era of electronic warfare. However, as demonstrated by international wars such as the Israeli-Hamas conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Houthi strikes, drone vulnerabilities are being exploited more than ever.
These incidents highlight how urgently India has to reconsider its reliance on drone parts manufactured abroad, especially in China, and concentrate on developing a safe, independent drone ecosystem.
Drones in Modern Warfare: A Double-Edged Sword
Drones, classified as Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), rely on electronic feedback loops powered by real-time sensory inputs to execute tasks. While these systems offer remarkable efficiency, they also come with risks. The dependence on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, especially autopilots and software from Chinese manufacturers, has left drones susceptible to cyberattacks.
This risk is amplified by the open-source nature of some CPS elements. Hackers can easily access these components, infiltrating through firmware or command protocols to hijack drones. Such vulnerabilities highlight why securing drones—particularly those used for national defense—is a priority.
The Chinese Component Conundrum
India's dependence on Chinese-made drone parts is a serious issue. Due to their weak cybersecurity defences, many of these parts—including autopilots—are vulnerable to hijacking.
Such threats are not limited to military drones. Similar risks affect civilian drones, which are frequently used in projects like disaster relief, infrastructure monitoring, and agricultural. Given this technology's dual use, all drones, regardless of their intended use, must adhere to the same security regulations.
Why Indigenous Technology is Non-Negotiable
Shifting from Chinese to indigenous components is not just a matter of security—it’s a step toward self-reliance. By developing a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem, India can eliminate its dependence on foreign components while boosting its economy.
Indigenous manufacturing also positions India to compete with global drone leaders like Israel, Turkey, and the U.S. Companies like Zuppa are already demonstrating this potential by creating advanced autopilots and micro drones at competitive prices. However, to scale these efforts, policy support and streamlined regulations are essential.
The Roadblocks: Policy and Regulation
Despite having the technological capability, India’s drone industry is bogged down by outdated policies and inefficient processes. The Civilian Drone Rules introduced in 2021 by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have yet to be effectively implemented.
For instance, the Type Certification (TC) process, which is mandatory for all drones, takes 12 to 18 months and costs anywhere between ₹15 to ₹35 lakhs. Additionally, any change in components requires a complete redo of the certification process. These delays and costs often force manufacturers to stick with readily available Chinese components.
India’s Opportunity to Lead the Global Market
Despite these challenges, India is uniquely positioned to become a global drone hub. With a growing global trust deficit concerning China and India’s reputation as a reliable technology partner, the country has an opportunity to lead the way in drone innovation and manufacturing.
To achieve this, India needs a strategic framework focusing on:
- Technology: Investments in research and development for advanced drone systems.
- Human Resources: Training skilled professionals in drone design and cybersecurity.
- Manufacturing Infrastructure: Establishing state-of-the-art facilities to produce high-quality components.
- Regulations: Streamlining certification processes to encourage domestic production.
- Cybersecurity: Ensuring robust security measures for all drones.
Securing India’s Skies
The vulnerabilities exposed by recent global conflicts underline the critical need for India to secure its drone systems. By prioritizing indigenous technology and streamlining regulatory frameworks, India can protect its national security while positioning itself as a global leader in the drone industry.
The road ahead may be challenging, but with focused efforts, India has the potential to redefine the future of drone technology—not just for itself, but for the world.
