Haryana: India and the European Union have conducted their inaugural joint counterterrorism training focusing on safeguarding critical infrastructure and soft targets from the growing threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drones, according to an official statement. The event was held over a three-day period from October 13 to 15 in Haryana, northern India, and involved senior officers and experts from India's National Security Guard (NSG) and the EU's High Risk Security Network (HRSN).
According to Anadolu Agency, the training was part of a collaborative effort between the NSG and the HRSN, a specialized European platform consisting of 28 units from 21 EU member states. The focus was on utilizing advanced UAS and counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities. The joint exercise blended tactical and technological training, ultimately culminating in an exercise designed to enhance interoperability and lay the groundwork for future cooperation.
Participants engaged in discussions about the evolving nature of drone threats, exploring issues such as swarm and autonomous systems. They emphasized the necessity for advanced detection and neutralization technologies, including artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, directed energy, and kinetic countermeasures.
The EU statement highlighted the significant security challenges posed by the rapid proliferation and misuse of unmanned aerial systems by both state and non-state actors. The accessibility and advanced technology of commercial drones have made them affordable and adaptable tools, which have been exploited by violent extremists for surveillance and attacks.
The statement also noted that the training involved special forces practicing UAS counter-terrorism tactics in urban environments, combined with a joint tactical simulation exercise. This allowed NSG and HRSN units to test and enhance their real-world response capabilities. The activity aims to produce standard operating procedures for integrated drone and counter-drone operations across various settings and an engagement decision matrix tailored to protect mass gatherings and critical infrastructure.