The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) have decided to deploy anti-drone systems across all major and minor civil airports, anticipating potential future war-like situations. The decision was taken at a recent joint meeting, officials said on Sunday.

Initially, the plan will focus on key airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Jammu and Srinagar. The move follows insights gained during ‘Operation Sindoor’, as well as global military escalations and the increasing use of drones in modern warfare.

According to officials, the anti-drone systems will be capable of neutralising attacks involving rogue drones, which have become effective tools in contemporary conflict scenarios. This marks the first time that India will install such systems at airports handling only passenger aircraft.

The decision follows several high-level discussions. While the MHA is overseeing the project, the BCAS has formed a committee that includes representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and other relevant stakeholders.

The modalities and technical specifications are currently being evaluated. Once finalised, the MHA will coordinate with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to implement and commission the systems. Officials said the rollout will occur in phases, with sensitive airports being prioritised before expansion to the remaining network.

A senior official noted that commissioning timelines for each airport will be set only after the specifications are approved. Airport operators will then be instructed to install systems that meet the prescribed criteria. Successful international models are also being examined to ensure effective deployment.

The move comes in the aftermath of the April Pahalgam terror attack, after which India and Pakistan entered a brief period of heightened military engagement. Indian forces targeted terrorist infrastructure across the border, while Pakistani drones were detected over Indian territory, several of which were intercepted and destroyed.