DRDO's UAVs to track down Naxals

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)is developing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for the Central Reserve Police Force for use in the Naxal-hit areas of Chattisgarh and Jharkhand and would demonstrate the operational capability of the first such vehicle, Nishant, in a couple of months in Jagdalpur.

Giving details of the UAV project during a media interaction at Defexpo 2014 here, DRDO chief Avinash Chander said the vehicles being developed for CRPF would be able to help the forces trace and track down the ultra Left operatives in even thick forests.

To begin with, he said, CRPF had expressed the desire to procure 16 such UAVs for its operations. The force was earlier using the UAVs of National Technical Research Organisation and Indian Air Force, which were, however, not as effective in operations in thick forests.

Mr. Chander said the scientists of DRDO have worked closely with CRPF in developing the UAVs. "The two have worked closely on the configuration required for operation in such difficult areas.”

He said for UAVs meant to work in thick Indian forests, the organization was working on “lower frequency radars”.

The DRDO chief said the Army is also procuring Nishant for operations but its requirement was much different.