SOURCE: AFI
In an unexpected turn of events, a special defense team has been appointed to investigate the discovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), identified as a target drone likely belonging to the Indian Air Force, found floating off the coast of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. The drone was spotted by local fishermen approximately 35 nautical miles from the shore.
Air Force Media Spokesman Group Captain Eranda Geeganage has confirmed that the UAV is a type commonly utilized in military training exercises. He emphasized that Sri Lanka does not have similar drones in its military inventory. “The drone poses no threat as it contains no explosives,” he assured, adding that this was not an isolated incident, referencing a similar discovery in 2020.
The drone in question, weighing about 50 kg and stretching 8 feet in length, was initially found by seven fishermen near the Talapada estuary back in August 2020. At that time, it was speculated to have originated from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, India, where the Indian Air Force routinely conducts testing. Binay Kumar Das, then director of ITR Chandipur, explained that these drones, part of routine exercises, are designed to be expendable. “These are not meant to be recovered; they are essentially empty fiber bodies disposed of in the water post-use,” he explained, dismissing any concerns about the incident.
The specific UAV model identified as the Meggitt BTT-3 Banshee, has a rich history. Developed in the 1980s by Britain for training in air defense systems, this drone is known for its tailless delta wing design, constructed from composite materials like Kevlar and glass-reinforced plastic. The Banshee was notably used by the British Army for training with shoulder-launched missiles, including the Short Blowpipe and Javelin systems.
This incident has sparked a formal investigation to understand how the drone drifted into Sri Lankan waters, whether there was any navigational error or if it was simply part of the expected debris from military testing. The findings could have implications for both nations’ military protocols regarding the disposal and tracking of training equipment.
As of now, both the Indian and Sri Lankan defense forces are cooperating to ensure a thorough investigation, aiming to prevent similar occurrences that could lead to misunderstandings or potential risks. This event highlights the complexities of military training exercises in international waters and the need for stringent control over the disposal of such military assets.