Police sources confirmed to CNN-News18 that Israeli-made anti-drone systems may soon guard the Ayodhya Ram Temple and some other important installations in Uttar Pradesh.

The UP Police has completed the procurement process and the advanced protection system is expected to soon become part of the latest technology already in use by the country’s largest police force.

This is the first time Uttar Pradesh police has procured anti-drone technology. During the recent Ayodhya Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha incident and other occasions, the police used counter-drone systems borrowed from the National Security Guard (NSG), Special Protection Group (SPG) or other security forces.

CNN-News18 has learned that these Israeli-made anti-drone systems were shortlisted after detailed testing. Not only can the system detect any drone within a 3-5 km radius, but it also has the potential to disable any enemy drone in the radar.

“Based on the assessment of the threat, these systems will enable police to make appropriate decisions in different situations. One of these is the execution of soft kill, a laser-based destruction mechanism that can be used against enemy drones . The technology also allows police to attack enemy drones and ensure a safe guided landing or self-destruct the enemy drone. Snipers will also deploy these systems, and they will undergo hard-kill training, where the use of lasers or other weapons is not recommended technology to shoot down such drones,” said an official familiar with the technology.

The Uttar Pradesh Police is in the process of procuring about 10 such anti-drone systems. “The equipment will be installed at sensitive installations in cities across the state such as Lucknow, Varanasi and Mathura as required. The process has been completed and we expect the equipment to be handed over soon,” the official added.

Senior police officers believe that such technology will not only enhance Uttar Pradesh police’s vigilance during mega events like the recent Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha, but will also help them deal with new-age threats.

“Drones are modern weapons and we have seen their deadly misuse across the world. Fortunately we have not encountered any such situations so far, but do it for the safety of our people and valuable assets It’s always good to be prepared,” another official said.