The growing role of drones in hybrid warfare has captured the attention of the National Security Guard (NSG) which is exploring new technologies to create a layered counter-terror response - one that allows predictive analysis, real-time sharing and a smart weapon integration system to thwart attacks like those witnessed during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.
Every conflict offers some learnings and the latest drone assault by Pakistan witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir saw the NSG commandos destroy an explosive payload drone – and display tactics that can be integrated into the response mechanisms being built across states as part of a “one nation, one response” doctrine.
The NSG has decided to integrate its tactical modules like close-quarter combat and multi-threat hostage rescue into state-level operational frameworks. The elite counter-terror force is aware that the spectrum of threats is widening- lone-wolf radicalisation, grey zone warfare, and asymmetric attacks. This makes it essential for state police forces to equip themselves with tactics that are in symmetry with counter-terror strategies to act as first responders in a conflict.
On Tuesday, the NSG DG Brighu Srinivasan said the elite force is signing an MoU with states to build a national counter-terror mechanism- for a “one nation- one response’’ doctrine.
The NSG’s operational history carries many insights for states from deployments like hostage rescue, urban raids, immediate backup security operations, and counter-drone operations. It will help build standard operating procedures with states to create a national counter-terror grid where the role of technologies will go hand-in-hand, whether it is AI/ML, drones, 4IR innovations, and financial intelligence tools, NSG officials said.
At the 23rd edition of NSG’s Counter-Terror International Seminar that began on June 10, the focus is on forging collaboration not just with states but with global partners as well, looking at innovation to address the complexities of “modern terrorism.”
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NSG officials said the two-day conference aims to foster inter-agency coordination, operational synergy, and strategic integration in Counter-Terrorism (CT) and Counter-IED operations. Delegations from more than seventeen countries including the US, Russia, Japan, Israel, Germany, and Indonesia are participating, along with senior officials from state police forces, central armed police forces, the Indian Army and intelligence agencies.
Behind closed doors, senior police officers are brainstorming operational challenges in rural, jungle, and high-density urban areas; the need for region-specific tactics and the critical role of state special forces in a multi-tiered response to threats. The NSG has recently been involved in the ongoing anti-naxal operations that have brought some success in states like Chhattisgarh. The focus is improving the IED mitigation capabilities of counter-terror forces while preparing for newer threats like drone-borne IEDs, low-cost UAV tactics and specific anti-drone doctrines. Less than two months after Operation Sindoor, one thing is clear the security brass has much to brainstorm about “modern terror needs a modern response,” says Srinivasan.
