Indian Coast Guard Expands Maritime Surveillance with UAV and RPA Induction
The Indian Coast Guard is enhancing its operational capabilities by integrating Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles into its surveillance and intelligence operations. Director General Paramesh Sivamani shared this update on a Ministry of Defence podcast, emphasizing that these new platforms will act as force multipliers to better monitor India's coastline and the Indian Ocean Region.
The UAVs will be equipped with advanced technologies, including Synthetic Aperture Radar, Automatic Identification Systems, thermal sensors, and AI-driven analytics. These features are designed to improve the detection of smuggling, piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats. Additionally, the UAVs will enhance the early identification of asymmetric threats, such as unmanned surface vessels operated by non-state actors, while their ability to cover wide areas will reduce the need for manned patrols.
This technological upgrade will operate in conjunction with the Coastal Surveillance Network Project. Phase 1 of the project already has 46 radar stations in operation, and the finalization of Phase 2, which will add 38 more stations, is expected by the year's end. The integration of UAVs with this expanded radar network will create a comprehensive surveillance grid, enabling more efficient early warning and faster threat response.
The Coast Guard's fleet, which includes 14 hovercrafts used for patrolling shallow waters and riverine areas, will provide additional support to the UAVs in securing over 7,500 kilometers of coastline. Recent operations, such as managing the fire on the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503 in June and the rescue following the sinking of the Liberian vessel MSC ELSA 3 in May, have demonstrated the ICG's readiness and its role in environmental protection.
Aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Indian Coast Guard is also augmenting its fleet with indigenously built vessels. This includes recent launches like the fast patrol vessel ICGS Atal from Goa Shipyard Limited and the advanced pollution control vessel ICGS Samudra Prachet. The integration of UAVs, RPAs, and expanded radar coverage represents a significant step in modernizing the Coast Guard, thereby enhancing maritime security efficiency in the Indian Ocean Region.
