UAVs to arm Haryana police

To improve its surveillance capability, the state police force is said to be toying with the idea of buying at least three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

To improve its surveillance capability, the state police force is said to be toying with the idea of buying at least three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

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According to senior police officials, at least four manufacturing companies have already demonstrated their designs of pilot-less aircraft.

The modernisation wing of the Haryana police will soon shortlist three models and would send a proposal to the Union home ministry for its approval.

“We have earmarked a budget for the purchase of inventory and a high-level committee is examining the UAVs’ demonstrations being held at the state police headquarters in Panchkula,” inspector general of police (modernisation) RC Mishra told Hindustan Times.

The officer said that they had been shown different models of the UAVs with cost ranging from R10 lakh to R5 crore.

“We would require UAVs for a variety of operations such as understanding and addressing traffic jams in the national capital region and to respond in case of emergency or calamities including floods in different parts of the state.

“These aircraft will also help in ensuring fool-proof security while handling crowd at public rallies, processions, road blockades and protests,” another official said. The remote-controlled flying machines are equipped with high-power camera that can record images at any time of day or night.