Drone attack on merchant ship in the Indian Ocean

Source: The post on drone attack on a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean has been created on the article “Drone strike in Arabian sea: A new challenge for the Navy” published in “Indian Express” on 28th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Internal security- maritime security

News: The article discusses a suspected drone attack on a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean, India’s response, and the challenges and strategies of maritime forces, including India’s, in dealing with new threats like armed drones and the evolving tactics in anti-drone warfare.

What are the responses to a drone attack on a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean?

India’s Response

Swift Military Deployment: India dispatched the Coast Guard and Navy ships to the attack site, demonstrating quick reaction capabilities.

Naval Adjustments: Indian Navy, traditionally focused on piracy, is now considering anti-drone tactics and strategies.

Global Response

Operation Prosperity Guardian: Initiated by the US with allies like the UK, Bahrain, and Canada to protect maritime traffic from drone threats.

Note: Operation Prosperity Guardian, started in December 2023, is a US-led international mission. The aim is to protect ships in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from Houthi attacks. This effort, under Combined Task Force 153, seeks to secure freedom of navigation and enhance regional security and prosperity.

Coalition Changes: France, Italy, and Spain withdrew from the coalition, reflecting challenges in unified action.

Anti-Drone Technologies: Emphasis on developing jamming and spoofing techniques, although these are not widely available or fully effective against drones.

What are the challenges in maritime security?

Technology Gaps: Effective anti-drone technologies like jamming and spoofing are not widely accessible or proven under all conditions, making defense difficult.

Coalition Dynamics: Disagreements within international coalitions, evidenced by nations withdrawing from Operation Prosperity Guardian, complicate unified responses.

What are the implications of a drone attack on a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean?

Regional Security Concerns: The drone attack near Porbandar raises the specter of a new, unpredictable threat in maritime regions, prompting urgent security reassessments.

Navigation and Commerce Impact: Such attacks threaten commercial shipping routes, leading to broader economic implications and heightened calls for maritime security.

What should be done?

Join International Coalitions: India might consider joining forces like Operation Prosperity Guardian for a coordinated response, as the CMF’s task forces specialize in regional maritime security.

Adopt Anti-Drone Technology: Navies should invest in and deploy effective anti-drone technologies such as jamming, spoofing, and directed energy weapons to counteract the new aerial threats.

Enhance Maritime Communication and Intelligence: Improve surveillance and intelligence sharing among maritime nations to detect and respond to threats promptly.

Regular Training and Adaptation: Naval forces need continuous training in anti-drone strategies and tactics, moving beyond traditional anti-piracy measures to address the evolving maritime security landscape.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the responses, challenges, implications, and recommended actions concerning drone attacks on merchant ships in the Indian Ocean.