New Delhi: India and the European Union (EU) have successfully concluded their first joint counter-terrorism exercise specifically designed to tackle emerging threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UASs), commonly referred to as drones. The three-day training programme, which wrapped up on Wednesday at the National Security Guard (NSG) headquarters in Manesar, aimed to bolster the protection of critical infrastructure and soft targets while developing integrated counter-drone procedures.

The exercise brought together senior officers, instructors, and technical experts from India’s elite NSG units and the EU’s High Risk Security Network (HRSN), a specialised platform comprising 28 units from 21 EU member states. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in India-EU defence and security cooperation, which has expanded rapidly in recent years alongside trade and economic engagements.

Training Focus and Objectives

The joint exercise focused on practical and technological countermeasures against hostile drones, blending tactical training with the application of advanced UAS and counter-UAS capabilities. It concluded with a full-scale simulation exercise that enabled participants to test real-world responses to drone threats in urban and critical infrastructure environments.

Participants explored the latest trends in drone technology, including the potential misuse of swarm and autonomous UAS systems. The programme emphasised the need for advanced detection and neutralisation technologies, incorporating artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, directed energy systems, and kinetic countermeasures. Such measures are critical given the increasing accessibility and affordability of commercial drones, which have been exploited by non-state actors for reconnaissance, surveillance, and in some cases, direct attacks.

The exercise also aimed to strengthen interoperability between Indian and EU forces and establish the groundwork for future collaboration. “It strengthened mitigation skills and familiarised participants with deployment models for major events,” an EU statement said. The exercise concluded with plans to draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) for integrated drone and counter-drone operations and an Engagement Decision Matrix, designed to protect mass gatherings and critical infrastructure from potential drone threats.

Strategic and Operational Significance

EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin highlighted the strategic importance of the exercise, stating that both India and EU member states have been exposed to deliberate drone-related threats in recent years. “This joint training shows how the EU and India are turning commitment into action, working side by side to keep our citizens safe,” he said. “Such threats evolve rapidly as part of hybrid tactics. Only swift and coordinated responses will keep us ahead.”

The collaboration is part of the EU’s broader “Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia and the Indo-Pacific” project and builds on the 2024 India-EU Track 1.5 roundtable on countering terrorist exploitation of UAS. The programme also aligns with the Joint Communication on a New Strategic EU–India Agenda, which identifies counter-terrorism cooperation as a priority area.

Rising Threats and Security Challenges

The exercise comes at a time when the misuse of drones by non-state actors has emerged as a serious global security concern. Commercial drones, which are technologically advanced yet inexpensive and widely available, have increasingly been used for illegal surveillance, smuggling, and potential attacks on high-value targets. Security agencies worldwide are grappling with the rapid proliferation of such devices, which can bypass traditional perimeter security measures.

For India, which has hosted numerous high-profile events and faces ongoing threats from extremist groups, developing robust counter-UAS capabilities is critical. The NSG’s experience in counter-terrorism operations, combined with the EU’s technological expertise and operational know-how, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones effectively.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening India-EU Security Ties

The successful completion of this first joint counter-drone exercise is expected to lay the foundation for further cooperation between India and EU member states. By combining operational readiness, technological innovation, and strategic planning, both sides aim to stay ahead of evolving threats and ensure the safety of critical infrastructure and urban populations.

Officials emphasized that the programme was not only an exercise in tactics and technology but also an opportunity to build trust, share best practices, and establish protocols for rapid decision-making in response to drone incursions. With the increasing risk posed by hybrid threats, such exercises will play a crucial role in shaping future security strategies and reinforcing collective resilience.

As drone technology continues to evolve, cooperation between countries like India and the EU will be essential in mitigating risks posed by non-state actors and emerging threats. By institutionalising joint training, simulation exercises, and strategic dialogues, both sides are signalling their commitment to proactive counter-terrorism measures and enhanced preparedness for the challenges of modern security environments.