How Drone Technology Could Have Reshaped the Sri Lankan Conflict

■Invest Heavily in Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Capabilities: This is paramount. Sri Lanka needs a multilayered C-UAS strategy.

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■Detection Systems: Advanced radar, acoustic sensors, and RF (radio frequency) detection systems capable of identifying small, low-flying, and fast-moving drones.

■Soft Kill Measures: Electronic warfare (EW) jammers disrupt drone control signals and GPS navigation, forcing drones to land or crash. Cyber capabilities to potentially hack into and take control of enemy drones.

■Hard Kill Measures: Anti-drone guns (e.g., directed energy weapons like lasers, and specialised projectiles), net guns, and even dedicated counter-drone UAVs designed to intercept and neutralise hostile drones.

Training: Rigorous and continuous training for personnel in identifying, tracking, and neutralising drone threats across all units, from frontline troops to specialised air defence teams.

■Develop Indigenous Drone Capabilities and Doctrine: The best defence is often a good offence. Sri Lanka should invest in developing its own drone technology for:

■Reconnaissance and Surveillance: To enhance situational awareness, border security, and intelligence gathering.

■Targeting and Precision Strikes: For surgical operations with minimised collateral damage.