European Union & India carry out joint counterterrorism training to strengthen defences against drones

The European Union (EU) and India organised a first of its kind counterterrorism training from 13 to 15 Oct to protect critical infrastructure and soft targets against emerging threats from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones as they are commonly known.

The rapid proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and their misuse by state and non-state actors pose serious security challenges. Commercial drones have advanced rapidly in both technology and accessibility, making them inexpensive and adaptable tools. Violent extremists have exploited these devices for purposes ranging from surveillance to carrying out attacks.

The three-day exercise brought together senior officers, instructors and technical experts from India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and the EU’s High Risk Security Network (HRSN), and focused on the use of advanced UAS and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities. The peer-to-peer activity blended tactical and technological training, culminating in a joint exercise designed to strengthen interoperability and set the foundation for future collaboration. It also strengthened mitigation skills and familiarised participants with deployment models for major events. Participants also deliberated on the future trajectory of drone threats, including swarm and autonomous systems and the need for advanced detection and neutralisation technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, directed energy and kinetic countermeasures.

The EU HRSN – a specialised European platform of 28 units from 21 European Union Member States – brought a team of UAS and C-UAS instructors and technical experts to Manesar, Gurugram. India’s elite counterterrorism force NSG, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, led the training with its extensive operational experience in detecting, tracking and neutralising hostile drones.

Special forces training on UAS counter-terrorism tactics in urban environments, combined with a joint tactical simulation exercise, allowed NSG and HRSN units to test and strengthen real-world response capabilities. The activity will result in the drafting of standard operating procedures for integrated drone and counter-drone operations in various settings, and an Engagement Decision Matrix tailored to protect mass gatherings and critical infrastructure.

H.E. Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, said: “This joint training shows how the EU and India are turning commitment into action, working side by side to keep our citizens safe. Like India EU and its Member States have been directly exposed to direct and deliberate drone-related threats. Such threats evolve rapidly, as part of hybrid tactics. Only swift and coordinated responses will keep us ahead. Hence the importance of such a joint training seminar.”Insert name, insert title of NSG official, said: “The National Security Guard remains committed to adapting to emerging security challenges, including those posed by the misuse of unmanned aerial systems. Our cooperation with the EU High Risk Security Network has been a valuable opportunity to exchange best practices and strengthen our preparedness to counter drone-related threats.”Demonstrating how the counter terrorism cooperation is moving from dialogue to action, the event was organised by the EU Delegation to India in cooperation with the NSG and facilitated by EU project ESIWA+ (Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia and the Indo-Pacific).