SOURCE: AFI
In a strategic move to bolster defense cooperation with Vietnam, India has offered its advanced counter-drone systems to the Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF). This proposal comes at a time when concerns over swarm drone attacks on military installations are rising globally. The systems in question include both hard kill and soft kill technologies, aimed at providing comprehensive security against one of the modern threats to airbase infrastructure.
Hard Kill Systems are designed to physically destroy incoming drones. India’s offerings in this category include missile-based interceptors and laser systems capable of engaging and neutralizing UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) at various ranges. The DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has developed systems like the D-4, which uses laser-based technology for a direct “hard kill” approach against drones.
Soft Kill Systems In contrast, soft kill methods aim to disrupt or disable drones without physical destruction. Technologies like RF jamming, GPS spoofing, and signal disruption are employed to either take control of the drone or force it to land or return to its origin. India’s soft kill solutions include systems that can jam communication frequencies or mislead the navigation systems of hostile drones, ensuring they are incapacitated without causing physical damage to the infrastructure.
Swarm drone attacks have become a significant threat due to their ability to overwhelm traditional defense systems. By equipping the VPAF with these countermeasures, Vietnam can significantly enhance the security of its airbases, which are crucial for both defense and offensive operations.
As drone technology evolves, so do the methods to counter them. Continuous updates and adaptations to the counter-drone systems will be necessary to keep pace with potential adversaries’ capabilities.