Defense & Security

The Indian Defence Ministry has released a draft drone security framework prepared by the Army Design Bureau, aiming to eradicate reliance on Chinese-origin components in military unmanned aerial vehicles. The document mandates stringent testing and "secure-by-design" protocols for all low, slow, and small drones, including nano, micro, and small UAVs. This initiative follows previous incidents where vulnerabilities in Chinese-made autopilot systems were exploited, highlighting the critical need for supply chain integrity. The framework outlines comprehensive mechanisms to address security vulnerabilities across the entire lifecycle of drone procurement and operation. It identifies specific risks such as communication link interception, GPS jamming, control hijacking, and malware insertion. Vendors are required to disclose sourcing details, share bills of materials, and undergo intrusive assessments, including tear-down and penetration testing, to ensure hardware and software integrity. While acknowledging that domestic capabilities for microchips and sensors require time to mature, the framework establishes interim measures involving compulsory certification by government-approved agencies. It also prescribes strict penalties for firms falsifying component details and calls for continuous post-induction monitoring through regular firmware updates and audits. The final version is expected to be incorporated into the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026 after feedback collection concludes on April 8