What are the different risks and rewards of using UAVs?
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)
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Topic: GS3 – Internal Security |
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Context |
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Why Are UAVs Seen as Less of a Threat?
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UAVs are generally considered less dangerous than fighter jets because most of them are used for surveillance rather than combat.
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Even armed UAVs have limited capabilities compared to fighter jets.
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Since UAVs do not carry pilots, they are seen as less of a direct instrument of state power.
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The risk of human casualties is eliminated, making UAV missions more acceptable.
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Losing a UAV is financially less burdensome than losing a manned aircraft.
Examples of UAV Incidents and Reactions
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In 2019, a surveillance UAV was shot down over a strategic waterway, but there was no major military response.
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In 2023, another UAV was downed by a military force, but again, no significant retaliation followed.
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These incidents show that UAVs, even when targeted, do not escalate tensions in the same way as fighter jets.
Encouraging Risk-Taking Behavior
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Since UAV incursions do not lead to major military responses, countries are more willing to use them near foreign territories.
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UAV missions are less risky and cost-effective, making them an attractive option for surveillance and border monitoring.
Challenges for India
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UAVs are frequently used to smuggle arms and drugs across India’s western border, without official accountability.
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Using costly missiles to destroy UAVs is not a sustainable approach.
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UAVs are also being deployed near India’s eastern borders for surveillance, raising security concerns.
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India needs a cost-effective strategy to counter UAV incursions without escalating tensions.
Future Considerations
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As UAVs become an integral part of military operations, India’s defense strategy must evolve accordingly.
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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) |
Advantages of UAVs:
Challenges of UAVs:
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Practice Question: Examine the strategic implications of increasing UAV usage in modern military operations and its impact on India’s defense preparedness and border security. (150 Words /10 marks) |
