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Deendayal Port to install India’s first anti-drone surveillance and neutralisation system

Deendayal Port to install India’s first anti-drone surveillance and neutralisation system

In a pioneering move for Indian maritime security, Deendayal Port, Kandla in Gujarat is set to become the first port in the country to be equipped with an advanced Anti-Drone Surveillance and Neutralisation System. The state-of-the-art system is aimed at protecting critical infrastructure, cargo, and personnel from the growing threat of hostile drones.

A ₹58-Crore Project to Fortify Port Security

The project, worth ₹58 crore, will deploy four anti-drone stations fitted with cutting-edge radars and signal-jamming technology. The system will cover nearly 200 acres, including the port’s sprawling tank farms that store hazardous chemicals, edible oils, and petroleum products. Designed to detect and “soft-kill” enemy drones from as far as 15 kilometres, the system will provide an early-warning shield against potential drone attacks.

Safeguarding One of India’s Largest Tank Farms

With 1,200 storage tanks, Kandla houses one of the largest tank farms in India. Any drone intrusion or strike could have catastrophic consequences. Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), said:
“We have one of the biggest tank farms with 1,200 storage tanks. Any drone strike or leakage could have dangerous consequences. This system will help detect enemy drones early and jam their signals.”

Lessons from Operation Sindoor

The decision comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when enemy drones caused temporary shutdowns and blackouts at Kandla Port. While the disruption did not dent Kandla’s strong first-quarter FY26 performance, the impact was visible at Mundra Port, which saw a 6.2% drop in cargo volumes during the same period. The incident underlined the urgent need for ports to adopt advanced counter-drone measures.

Private Players and Start-Ups in the Fray

The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has already floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the project, with five companies   including private players and start-ups that played a role in deploying anti-drone systems during Operation Sindoor   showing keen interest.

A Benchmark for Indian Ports

Once operational, Kandla Port will become the first port in India to deploy a dedicated anti-drone defence system. This landmark initiative is expected to set a new benchmark for security preparedness across India’s maritime gateways, ensuring the protection of vital supply chains and national trade routes.

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