New Delhi:
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Drone Federation of India (DFI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen drone and counter-drone capabilities for the protection of critical and sensitive installations across the country.
The MoU was signed at CISF Headquarters by Dr. C.D. Naik, DIG (Principal), MPRTC Behror, on behalf of CISF, and Smit Shah, President, Drone Federation of India. CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan, along with senior officers and DFI representatives, was present during the signing ceremony.
CISF currently protects more than 370 units across India, including airports, nuclear installations, space centres and oil refineries. With the rapid advancement of drone technology, strengthening systems for the detection, tracking and neutralisation of unauthorised drones has emerged as a key security priority.
More than 3,000 CISF personnel have already been trained in drone and anti-drone protocols, while around 80 CISF units are using drones for surveillance, threat detection and training.
RTC Behror to Become Centre of Excellence
Under the MoU, CISF’s Recruit Training Centre (RTC), Behror, will be developed as a Centre of Excellence for Drone and Counter-Drone Systems, in line with Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines.
DFI will facilitate engagement between CISF and Indian drone startups and technology companies to promote capacity building, applied research, innovation and operational preparedness.
The collaboration will cover counter-drone deployment, forensic analysis, joint drills and red-teaming exercises, and specialised training and capacity-building programmes.
CISF DG Praveer Ranjan said the partnership would help the force assess its preparedness against realistic and evolving drone threats and identify gaps in existing systems, procedures and response mechanisms.
DFI President Smit Shah said the Indian drone industry is committed to supporting CISF in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure. He said the partnership would help connect operational security requirements with indigenous technological innovation and contribute to building a technologically resilient and Aatmanirbhar security architecture.
The initiative is expected to enhance India’s preparedness against emerging aerial threats while promoting greater use of indigenous drone and counter-drone technologies.
