Anti-drone system to be installed in Taj Mahal complex

The iconic Taj Mahal will soon get an added layer of protection as authorities are installing an anti-drone system at this 17th century monument in Agra to counter any potential aerial threats.

The move comes days after the military confrontation between India and Pakistan and Islamabad firing hundreds of drones at Indian military stations and religious places, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

“An anti-drone system will be installed at the Taj Mahal complex. The system will have a range of 7-8 kilometers but will be primarily effective within a 200-meter radius from the main dome of the monument,” Assistant Commissioner of Police (Taj Security) Syed Arib Ahmad said.

The system will automatically jam the signal of any drone entering the area, rendering it inoperable, he added.

A dedicated security team will be formed and given training on operating the new system. The team will trace the origin point of the drone and secure the area where it is brought down.

The Taj Mahal is currently guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Uttar Pradesh Police. The new system is expected to be installed in the next few days.

Though India successfully neutralised almost all the aerial threats during the military confrontation with Pakistan, the conflict highlighted the growing need for anti-drone measures at sensitive locations.

India launched precision air strikes on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam attack last month. In response, Pakistan Army fired hundreds of drones and a few missiles at Indian bases and key places, sparking a stronger retaliation from Indian armed forces.

 

India