- Bangladesh’s deployment of Bayraktar TB2 drones represents a significant step in its military modernisation, but it does not pose a critical threat to India.
- The Bayraktar TB2, with its medium-altitude endurance and payload versatility, represents cutting-edge technology in UAVs, capable of performing in diverse weather conditions with high operational efficiency.
- India has developed a comprehensive set of defences against UAVs to neutralize the threat posed by the Bayraktar TB2, which has significant security implications.
TB2 Drone developed in Turkey by Baykar Technologies, the Bayraktar TB2 is a tactical UAV that has drawn a lot of interest from around the world due to its effectiveness in modern combat. Due to its affordability, accuracy, and adaptability, it has grown in importance in numerous international conflicts. India now faces more challenges as a result of its recent supply to Bangladesh, particularly given the numerous geopolitical concerns that must be addressed, such as rising radicalism and illegal immigration.
Consequences for India
Surveillance Capability: The India-Bangladesh border could be thoroughly monitored with the TB2 drones. Given that it might be used to track Indian military movements and installations, this capacity poses a direct danger to India’s security.
Potential for Aggression: These drones can carry out aggressive operations against targets that are thought to be located throughout Indian territory, particularly in border regions where tensions have historically been high, thanks to their precise strikes.
Instability in the Region: The introduction of advanced military equipment like the TB2 is probably going to start an arms race in the area. India might be forced to strengthen its capabilities, which would lead to an even greater level of border militarization.
Radicalization: India has expressed its increasing worries about the rise of extremist Islamist organisations, which it believes pose a threat to it. Islamic extremism in Bangladesh has been on the rise over the last 10 years, linked to organizations such as Jamaat-e-Islami and several other smaller, more radical factions that seek to destabilize India. These groups can easily enter India due to porous borders, which poses a direct threat to Indian national security.
Bangladesh as Launchpad: Terrorist groups that target India have traditionally used Bangladesh as a transit location. There are numerous examples of insurgent organizations from Northeast India launching cross-border strikes alongside outside entities such as Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Recent events that brought the tension to light: On December 5, Border Guard Bangladesh officers halted the renovation of a Hindu temple near the Kushiyara River, highlighting a recent occurrence. The fragile nature of India-Bangladesh relations is highlighted, and possible flashpoints along the border are indicated, even though this matter was settled diplomatically.
Bayraktar TB2 Architecture and Functionality
A medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intended for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precise strikes is the Bayraktar TB2. It had a 6.5-meter length, a 12-meter wingspan, and a 700-kg maximum takeoff weight. With a 150 kg payload capacity, it offers a crucial platform for cutting-edge sensors and weapons for a range of missions. This drone can reach line-of-sight data up to 300 kilometres within its cruise speed range of 70 to 120 knots. It is effective in military applications and can endure for 27 hours at a height of 27,000 feet.
The Bayraktar TB2’s lightweight monocoque body is composed of aluminium and carbon fibre. Since the UAV is powered by a single Rotax 912 engine, its high-mounted wings have acquired aerodynamic efficiency. This drone can carry precision-guided bombs, infrared cameras, and electro-optical equipment in its payload bay to carry out its surveillance and assault duties. Thanks to its sophisticated avionics, which enable GPS-based navigation, real-time imagery, and laser-guided aiming, this drone can operate either fully or partially independently.
Armed with laser-guided bombs, such as the MAM-L and MAM-C, which are smart munitions, the Bayraktar TB2 can destroy a wide range of targets, including bunkers and armoured vehicles. It can also fire precision-guided 70 mm rockets, known as Cirit missiles. It can operate in a variety of weather conditions because of its versatility, utilizing cutting-edge sensors to maintain operational efficiency, ensure precise targeting, and gather real-time intelligence even in low-visibility environments.
The MAM-L and MAM-C are laser-guided bombs that can destroy a range of targets, including armoured vehicles and bunkers. These smart munitions are equipped aboard the Bayraktar TB2. Precision-guided 70 mm rockets, known as Cirit missiles, can also be launched using it. It can operate in a variety of weather conditions thanks to its versatility, and even in low-visibility situations, it can retain operational efficiency by utilizing sophisticated sensors.
Indian Defenses Against the UAVs
India has developed a comprehensive set of defences against UAVs to neutralize the threat posed by the Bayraktar TB2, which has significant security implications. To increase border security and reduce drone hazards, the system focuses on UAV identification, jamming, and kinetic annihilation.
Systems for Detection and Monitoring
India makes use of cutting-edge UAV detecting systems. The two most crucial ones for tracking down UAVs are the BEL low-altitude surveillance radar and the Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (WLR). Another essential tool that aids electronic warfare in identifying the threat posed by UAVs is the Indra Netra EW system. In addition, the DRDO Drone Detection System integrates a range of sensors with a real-time drone tracking capability along the boundaries.
Electronic Defenses
To defeat UAVs, India has created the most advanced electronic countermeasures. Drones’ navigation and communication systems are interfered with by the DRDO Drone Jammer and BEL RF Jamming System, making them useless. To cause a drone to crash or veer off course, India also employs GPS spoofing capabilities.
Kinetic Countermeasures
India uses different kinetic countermeasures to effectively neutralize UAV threats. The Akash Missile System is a domestic product that can intercept and destroy drones in mid-air. The Netra UAV Interceptor employs net-based technology for innovative interception. The others include SMASH 2000 of Smart Shooter (Israel) where precision targeting is assisted through AI. Bhargavastra System by Solar Industries and EEL, with its capabilities that employ the range of up to 2 kilometres from a micro-missile; and the Defender System: the net-launching drone meant for close-range engagements.
 DRDO’s Swathi WLR tracks artillery, rockets, mortars, and UAVs, serving as a versatile radar for border surveillance. |  A portable system by DRDO disables drones by jamming their communication and GPS signals. |
In turn, Indigenous Anti-Drone Guns that disturb navigation from drones, are Indian indigenous, while Kinetic Interception Systems utilize the standard use of firearms to establish reactive measures. The Naval Anti-Drone System (NADS) by BEL is used to secure naval establishments, while the Low-Level Lightweight Radar (LLLR) and Bharani Radar by DRDO enhance detection and integration with kinetic measures. The Indrajaal Anti-Drone System integrates detection, tracking, and interception to cover the entire UAV defence.
To offer a comprehensive security solution, India’s integrated counter-drone technologies combine kinetic, jamming, and detecting systems. In this sense, the DRDO Anti-Drone System is a leader since it efficiently neutralizes UAVs by utilizing all three technologies. With its adaptability and quick reaction time, the NSG, BSF& CRPF Anti-Drone Guns are another portable drone incapacitation technology.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s deployment of Bayraktar TB2 drones represents a significant step in its military modernization, but it does not pose a critical threat to India. India’s comprehensive and multi-layered approach to counter-UAV measures, including advanced detection systems, electronic warfare tools, and kinetic countermeasures, ensures robust preparedness against any potential UAV challenges. With systems like the DRDO Anti-Drone System, Indrajaal, and AI-driven counter-drone technologies, India is continuously improving its capabilities to neutralize threats effectively.
India’s superior defence infrastructure, strategic foresight, and evolving technological advancements ensure that it remains well-equipped to address regional security concerns. The deployment of TB2 drones by Bangladesh, while noteworthy, is counterbalanced by India’s proactive measures and strong military readiness, ensuring that such developments do not compromise India’s national security.
References:
- https://bel-india.in/news-bel/indian-navy-signs-contract-with-bel-for-supply-of-naval-anti-drone-system/
- https://www.spslandforces.com/experts-speak/?id=718&h=SMASH-2000-Plus-for-Navy
- https://bel-india.in/product/anti-drone-system/
- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bayraktar-tb2-drones-nagorno-karabakh-armenia-azerbaijan-deployed-bangladesh-challenges-to-india-2646050-2024-12-07
- https://www.smart-shooter.com
Piyush Anand is a Biotechnology Engineering student at Chandigarh University. His primary interest lies in International Affairs, Defence and Strategy. Views expressed at the author’s own.
Dr. Niranjan B Poojar 
Aayush Pal 
Shobhil Shrivastava