The European Union (EU) and India conducted a groundbreaking counterterrorism training session from October 13 to 15, aimed at bolstering defences against threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, reports 24brussels.

This initiative comes in response to the rapid proliferation and misuse of drones by both state and non-state actors, which present significant security challenges. Commercial drones have advanced technologically and become more accessible, making them affordable tools for various purposes, including surveillance and attacks, according to an official release.

The three-day exercise convened senior officers, instructors, and technical experts from India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and the EU’s High Risk Security Network (HRSN). The focus was on utilizing advanced UAS and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities, blending tactical and technological training into a joint exercise to enhance interoperability and establish a foundation for future collaboration.

Additionally, participants enhanced their mitigation skills and gained familiarity with deployment models for major events. They discussed the evolving nature of drone threats, including swarm and autonomous systems, and highlighted the need for advanced detection and neutralization technologies, such as artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, directed energy, and kinetic countermeasures, as noted in the release.

The HRSN, which comprises 28 units from 21 EU member states, sent a team of UAS and C-UAS instructors and technical experts to Manesar, Gurugram. India’s elite counterterrorism force, NSG, led the training initiative, leveraging its extensive operational expertise in detecting, tracking, and neutralizing hostile drones.

Special forces training on UAS counterterrorism tactics in urban settings, coupled with a joint tactical simulation exercise, allowed NSG and HRSN units to evaluate and enhance their real-world response capabilities. The activities resulted in the formulation of standard operating procedures for integrated drone and counter-drone operations across various settings, as well as an Engagement Decision Matrix tailored to safeguard mass gatherings and critical infrastructure.

Delphin, the European Union’s Ambassador to India, remarked that the joint training exemplifies how the EU and India are translating commitment into action, working collaboratively to enhance safety for citizens. He emphasized the pressing nature of drone-related threats and the necessity for swift and coordinated responses to stay ahead of evolving challenges.

As a step toward effective counterterrorism cooperation, this event was organized by the EU Delegation to India in conjunction with the NSG, facilitated by the ESWAIH project (Enhancing Security Cooperation in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific). The initiative builds upon the College of Commissioners’ visit to India in February and the recently announced Joint Communication on a New Strategic EU-India Agenda, which prioritizes stronger counterterrorism collaboration.

This training follows up on the India-EU Track 1.5 Roundtable on Countering Terrorist Exploitation of UAS held in February 2024. The activity is aligned with the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and continues to build on the ongoing EU-India Counterterrorism Dialogue.