Security breach? 10 highly advanced drones seized from Bengaluru airport

The seizing of 10 high-end drones from a passenger at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport  has sent security agencies scuttering for possible security breaches in the city and the nearby areas.

Amid reports that the drones have high capabilities and advanced features, it is yet to be ascertained whether the security breach rumours are correct.   These high-end DJI Phantom-4 PRO drones are Chinese made and can function by themselves upon finding obstacles. These also come with intelligent battery system, apart from having an advanced satellite navigation system, which is synced with GPS and the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS).

The drones can also live-stream images and videos from a distance of 2 kilometers and can be geo-located from anywhere. Experts believe that the drones could best be used for urban surveillance. However, what adds to the threat is the fact that it can carry a payload of upto a Kg. Its 'tap and use' feature adds to the concern of security experts because this allows the user to tap a target on his screen, which in turn would be locked by tracked by the person.

Speaking to the Times of India,  K Ramachandra of the National Mission for Micro Air Vehicles (MAV) said, "such a machine certainly poses threats. The lock-and-track feature is especially dangerous when we speak of VIP movement. The height the drone can achieve is another concern. The machine is small and at its maximum height it won't even be visible unless we look for it specifically."

Meanwhile,  the Indian Air Force in Bengaluru and other South Indian states are actively looking for threats from flying objects like drones and gliders.

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