Key Takeaways
- KP police establish a specialised UAV division to combat evolving terrorist tactics.
- Terrorists now use quadcopters for surveillance and explosive delivery, prompting a technological arms race.
- Anti-drone systems and swarm tactics are employed to counter the threat.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police department has taken a significant step in its fight against terrorists by establishing a specialised division trained for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) combat. This move comes in response to the evolving tactics of terrorist groups, which have shifted from conventional street fighting to aerial warfare.
According to a senior official, terrorists now use quadcopters for surveillance before targeting law enforcement installations, enabling them to avoid ambushes. 'This is a fact that they fly surveillance drones before targeting any installation of the law enforcement agencies,' the official stated.
The police have responded by deploying handheld anti-drone guns, but these could neutralise only one drone at a time. Recognising the need for a more robust solution, the department upgraded its defensive capabilities, investing in anti-drone systems capable of detecting and jamming multiple quadcopters simultaneously.
Despite these measures, terrorists adapted by turning to swarm tactics, deploying multiple drones simultaneously. This forced the police to further upgrade their systems, leading to a significant drop in quadcopter attacks across the province.
In response to the technological challenge, the KP police established a specialised UAV division. Trained personnel are equipped to operate drones for surveillance and conduct electronic warfare against hostile UAVs. A data centre in Peshawar will receive real-time information to support these operations.
Senior officials believe that the situation has changed significantly from two years ago, with terrorists now more equipped due to the acquisition of modern gadgets left behind by the US and its allies in Afghanistan. They also point to continued 'external' support in the form of manpower, finances, and technology.
The establishment of this division marks a new phase in the KP police's counter-terrorism strategy, reflecting the need for a more sophisticated approach to combat the evolving threat. The division is the first of its kind established by a police department in the country, setting a precedent for other regions.
While ambushes and attacks on police installations are still reported, the deployment of anti-drone systems and the specialised UAV division has significantly reduced the threat posed by quadcopters. The police continue to adapt and innovate to stay one step ahead of the terrorists.
This is a fact that they fly surveillance drones before targeting any installation of the law enforcement agencies.
A senior official, Not specified
The terrorists are more equipped than police since they got hold of the leftover [modern gadgets left behind by the US and its allies in Afghanistan].
A senior security official, Not specified
