New Delhi: As the Indian Navy deploys four destroyers and one frigate to protect merchant shipping in the Arabian Sea, a significant hurdle emerges—warships lack essential anti-drone equipment, leaving merchant vessels vulnerable to threats like Houthi missiles and Iranian loitering ammunition, as well as piracy in the region.
A frigate of the INS Talwar class is en route to the central Arabian Sea, joining other deployed warships to deter missile attacks. INS Visakhapatnam remains on standby, while the INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Chennai, and INS Mormugao guard the southern Arabian Sea. Notably, none of the deployed vessels, including those from the US, UK, France, Spain, Japan, Italy, and Denmark, possess specific anti-drone systems like high-energy lasers or microwave weapons.
While long-range guns and surface-to-air missiles equip Indian and other warships to handle drones, no jamming or spoofing techniques are in use. Friendly navies, including the US, French, and Indian, have established a corridor from the Red Sea to India’s western coast, restricting entry for suspicious vessels. Warships approach and board such vessels for inspections, ensuring the safety of sea lanes.
Apart from the lack of anti-drone measures, long-range drones, surveillance aircraft, and helicopters are being utilized by navies to maintain maritime domain awareness and safeguard merchant shipping in the volatile region.
