Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said it had arrested members of a Hezbollah-affiliated terrorist cell accused of planning operations that threatened national security. Authorities described the operation as a major success in preventing destabilising activities inside the country. The group was reportedly linked to external networks and had been under surveillance before being apprehended. The case highlights Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to counter extremist threats and maintain internal stability amid a volatile regional environment.

Seven hostile drones shot down

In a separate development, the Kuwait National Guard announced it had intercepted and downed seven hostile drones within 24 hours, signalling a sharp escalation in aerial threats. Officials did not disclose the origin of the drones but indicated they were considered hostile and posed a direct security risk. The incident reflects a broader pattern of increasing drone activity across the Gulf, where such technology is being used in asymmetric warfare.

Kuwait condemns Iranian attacks

Kuwait strongly condemned continued Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states, aligning with broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) positions. In a statement, Kuwaiti authorities criticised Tehran’s actions as destabilising and called for respect for regional sovereignty.

Dispute over UN reporting

Kuwait also rejected aspects of recent United Nations reporting , arguing that the assessments failed to clearly and explicitly condemn Iran’s role in the attacks. Officials said the omission undermines international accountability and called for stronger global responses to escalating security threats in the region.

GCC issues unified response

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) echoed Kuwait’s stance , issuing a collective condemnation of what it described as “heinous” Iranian attacks against member states. The unified response underscores growing alignment among Gulf nations as they face shared security challenges, particularly in relation to missile and drone threats.

Houston and his SkyyNetwork team have over forty years of experience. He has built cutting-edge systems and helped introduce drones to industries ranging from medicine to agriculture.

There have already been several incidents in which drones have crashed into manned aircraft, but so far, no reported deaths as a result. Houston believes such incidents will become much more common if regulators and engineers fail to keep up. 

Houston does point out that although drones will be increasingly commonplace, “it won’t be an overwhelming sky full of metal situation”. A study by Airbus in 2018 estimated that only 8333 delivery drones would be needed in the sky at one time for a typical urban airspace like Paris in order to make all the possible drone deliveries. However, other studies have placed the figure at eightfold this.

Even without the sky being blacked out by drones, he says, there is a significant risk to safety. As advanced drone technology becomes cheaper, “it’s very easy for untrained and unskilled individuals to get their hands on drones that can enter these highly safety-critical pieces of the airspace and pose a threat to the airspace”.

In March this year, an amateur pilot in the UK faced jail time after he flew his drone at 1600ft – four times the legal altitude – causing a police helicopter to take evasive action.

Houston says the industry must be working to reduce the risk of these sorts of incidents: “It's really up to the industry to design systems and solutions to stop people buying drones at their local hardware store and putting them in airspace they shouldn’t”.

Houston’s own company is making great headway on the front. With SkyyNetwork, Houston has built technology that improves the situational awareness of multiple drones in the same airspace, which will become increasingly vital. “We also source the hardware, we source the hardware, we do the flight operations in the safest and most efficient way possible.”, he says.

Houston also says standards bodies like the American Society for Testing and Materials will play an important role.  Eventually, drone air traffic control systems will be globally standardised in the same way more traditional manned aircraft are, he asserts, “the work is absolutely underway, but there's a long way to go there”.

Ben Belton, a research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute and lead author of a recent study published in Science , called the trend “a revolution in terms of how quickly it's happening, but also the implications that it has, in terms of agricultural productivity, greater efficiency in agrochemical use, and the labour savings it affords farmers”.

How are drones used in farming?

Agricultural drones fall into two main categories:

Sensor drones: These smaller drones are used for data collection, detecting early signs of poor crop health, pests, weeds, or diseases—often before human eyes can spot them.

Spreader drones: These larger drones are used to apply pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Increasing payload capacity has also made them useful for spreading fertilisers and even seeds across fields.

Belton notes that spreader drones are currently having the most dramatic impact. “These are being used much more widely,” he says, “and are transforming farming practices on the ground.”

What does this revolution mean for farmers?

Many of the countries that have seen the rapid adoption of agricultural drones have experienced dramatic rural-to-urban migration. This has led to a labour shortage in farming communities. Often, farmers themselves are relatively elderly and struggle with physical work like spraying fertiliser and sowing seeds.

   Belton says that in many of these countries, farming is already largely mechanized with tractors, power tillers and combine harvesters, but drones are taking this a step further, “I think of them in a way as being like flying tractors, so a tractor is the one machine, but there are many, many different implements that you can add onto a tractor to perform different functions”.

  Belton also points out that drones reduce the direct exposure of farmers to pesticides, something that many of the interviewees for his study cited as a key factor in their adoption of drones.

How the Global South got ahead

In the early days of drone technology , the key developments were being made in the Global North. Companies commercialised drones for hobbyists to be used for photography and other leisure uses. Then Chinese company DJI became a leader in this field. It was DJI that then led the way in developing drones for agriculture, first smaller ‘sensors’ and then the bigger ‘spreaders’.

China ’s well-established toy industry meant that it had a head start in mass production. Belton says, “There are also spillovers from other industries. So, for instance, the electric vehicle industry in China”. Batteries and LIDAR systems used for helping self-driving used in the EV industry could be used in drones.

There are now close to a million agricultural drones in use in China today. Other early adopters were Japan and Korea. From there, the technology spread rapidly to places like Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey and later Latin America . Now, drone technology is being implemented rapidly across North America.

What should we expect to see in the next 5-10 years?

Belton says that the drone revolution is far from over. In the next 5 to 10 years, he says, we are likely to see the integration of sensing and spraying capabilities into single drone units.

“You'll be able to go out and do the analytics and apply the inputs in a more targeted way. And so, you know, if that starts to happen, then there's really potential for a whole other order of benefits in terms of the increased precision and efficiency.”

As agricultural drones continue to evolve, the Global South is positioned to lead the next wave of global farming innovation.

A new map plotting violations between September 2024 and 2025 starkly illustrates how Russia has taken the role of principal provocateur, regularly testing the resilience of allied air defences.

Meanwhile, in southeastern Europe, a long-running Greek-Turkish dispute continues to fuel hundreds of skirmishes each year.

The map highlights a clear pattern of most airspace violations traced to Russia during this period. Especially along the eastern flank of Europe, Russian drones and fighter jets appear intent on probing NATO’s boundaries.

In early September 2025, Polish military officials downed several drones that had intruded into their airspace during strikes against Ukrainian targets. Poland called the breach “unprecedented,” and NATO invoked Article 4 consultations.

Likewise, Romania has reported multiple drone fragments and incursions. In September 2024, drones reportedly flew into Romanian territory during nighttime attacks on Ukraine, one incident that drew condemnation from NATO.

Estonia’s airspace was violated by three Russian MiG-31 fighters, which Estonian officials say lingered in their airspace for about 12 minutes, even after being addressed by NATO jets. Moscow, however, denied any breach, claiming the aircraft remained over international waters.

While Russia dominates headlines on the Eastern front, the map reminds us that aerial confrontations are hardly limited to that border. Southeast Europe continues to see intense airspace friction between Turkey and Greece, especially over the Aegean Sea.

The Hellenic National Defence General Staff reported over 106 violations of the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) by Turkish drones and maritime patrol aircraft since August (date of report).

Turkey’s violations have not receded entirely. In early 2025, two Turkish CN-235 reconnaissance planes entered Greek airspace over the southeastern Aegean, prompting interceptions under international law.

Kim urged officials to “rapidly develop newly introduced artificial intelligence technology” and to expand serial production capacity for drones, emphasising that North Korea must match the role drones now play in modern conflicts.

The current levels of sophistication of North Korea’s drones remain uncertain, but Kim has repeatedly toured drone facilities and presided over field tests in recent months, showing his intent to make UAVs a key component of his military strategy.

A report from 38 North found Pyongyang had engaged in cross-border AI research with academics in China, South Korea and the U.S., suggesting “substantial efforts” to catch up. Much of this progress appears tied to China, one of the world’s leaders in AI technology.

Kim’s visit to the complex came just a week after he oversaw a test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine for intercontinental ballistic missiles. He hailed that test as a “significant” step in expanding the country’s nuclear strike capabilities.

North Korea has ramped up efforts to modernise its military despite international sanctions. Its programmes now span drones, loitering munitions, missile systems and a nascent spy satellite programme.

Regional tensions have risen as a result. In 2022, South Korea failed to intercept five North Korean drones that crossed the border, including one that flew near the presidential office in Seoul. 

Kim later called for mass production of attack drones. He accused Seoul of flying UAVs over Pyongyang, though South Korea has not confirmed this.

North Korea is already heavily militarised, having more than a million active troops and millions more reservists. Kim’s new focus on AI and drones suggests the next stage is to make the country’s weapons smarter, faster and more autonomous.

The aircraft, called Jiutian SS-UAV, is designed to fly at very high altitudes and act as a flying base for smaller automated drones.

It is expected to have its first test flight in June 2025, according to Chinese state media .

Built by China’s AVIC group together with Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and Haige Communications, the Jiutian was first shown to the public at the 15th Zhuhai Airshow.

State media describe it as a breakthrough in unmanned systems, capable of carrying a large number of drones into the air and deploying them instantly during missions.

The drone has a wingspan of 25 metres and a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tonnes.

It can cruise at an altitude of around 15,000 metres for up to 36 hours, which could place it above many traditional air defence systems.

However, some experts point out that modern U.S. and allied defences, including systems like THAAD and Patriot PAC-3, may still be able to intercept it.

By April 2025, China had already completed its fourth prototype, just a year and a half after the project began. The Jiutian is fully built with Chinese-made parts and backed by more than 3 billion yuan in state funding.

The project reflects China's growing ambition to develop advanced military technology, especially in contested regions such as the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Analysts believe the drone could also reach as far as Guam, where U.S. forces are stationed.

Even though the Jiutian is built mainly for military use, officials say it could also help in emergencies such as disaster relief, border patrols, and search and rescue operations.

The flying drone carrier could eventually be launched from large Chinese Navy ships, adding new flexibility to China’s sea-based operations.

The attacks began early May 3 morning and have turned Port Sudan, Sudan’s de facto capital and the current seat of the government into a conflict zone. While the RSF has not claimed responsibility, the Sudanese army claims the drones used in the attacks match those previously purchased by the UAE. The UAE, meanwhile, has denied involvement and condemned the violence.

The first wave of attacks targeted Port Sudan’s international airport, damaging its roof and forcing a shutdown. Although briefly reopened on May 4, the airport was closed again after renewed strikes the following day. The nearby Osman Digna air base was also hit.

The assault continued with drone strikes on a major fuel depot 20 kilometres outside the city. The resulting fire remained active as of Tuesday, and further drone attacks ignited the port’s fuel storage facility. Port workers said the southern terminal, its container terminal, has shut down completely.

Port Sudan’s main power station was also struck, leaving the entire city without electricity. One of the blasts damaged the Marina Hotel, which hosts foreign diplomats and is near the offices of army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The attacks have brought daily life in Port Sudan to a halt. Most schools are closed, long queues have formed for fuel, and bakeries have shut down due to the lack of power and supplies. The city is currently hosting around 500,000 displaced people who have fled violence elsewhere in the country.

Government officials said that damage to fuel infrastructure alone is estimated at more than $500 million.

The Sudanese Security and Defence Council announced on May 6 that the country was cutting diplomatic ties with the UAE, one day after the International Court of Justice dismissed Sudan’s case accusing the UAE of genocide complicity.

Human rights advocates criticized the court’s decision. Mutasim Ali of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights said the ruling failed to stop what he described as an ongoing genocide, warning that both the RSF and its alleged foreign backers would now act with even greater impunity.

“While there remains hope in exploring alternative accountability strategies, the RSF and the UAE will now continue to commit egregious atrocities, without the immediate prospect of intervention," Mutasim said.

The drone, the group claimed , had been conducting an anti-terrorism mission, and its destruction “prevented the neutralisation of a terrorist group that was planning attacks against the AES.”

The AES - formed last year following the withdrawal of its members from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS - described the incident as a violation of international law and a blow to long-standing fraternal ties between the Sahelian nations and Algeria.

Algeria denies wrongdoing

In contrast, Algeria defended its actions, stating the drone had violated Algerian airspace by more than two kilometers (1.2 miles) and was an “armed surveillance drone.” The Algerian military said it acted in self-defense in accordance with national sovereignty and airspace protection.

But Mali’s Prime Minister, Gen. Abdoulaye Maiga, fired back in a strongly worded statement published by the Malian Foreign Ministry on social media . He rejected Algeria’s claims, asserting that the drone did not cross into Algerian territory. He went further, accusing Algeria of “sponsoring international terrorism” - a significant escalation in rhetoric.

AES tightens stance

In addition to recalling ambassadors, Mali has summoned the Algerian ambassador in Bamako, withdrawn from a 15-year-old regional military group that includes Niger, and plans to file an official complaint with international bodies.

Algeria retaliates

In a retaliatory move, Algeria announced a ban on all flights to and from Mali, citing “recurrent violations” of its airspace. The move further underscores the unraveling of regional cooperation, which has already been weakened by recent political upheavals and shifting alliances.

Tensions, not war

Despite the heated exchange, experts say the situation is unlikely to escalate into armed conflict.

Rida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South in Morocco, cautioned that Mali's ability to investigate the incident is limited. “The crash occurred in an area it doesn’t control,” he said, noting that the drone wreckage is believed to be in the hands of anti-government groups.

“This is likely to remain a diplomatic standoff, not a military one,” Lyammouri added. “Neither Algeria nor the AES members are in a position—or have an interest—in escalating this into a broader conflict.”

From agriculture and infrastructure inspection to logistics, surveillance, and filmmaking, drones have become indispensable tools across industries. Below is a look at the Top 5 Drone Markets in 2024, ranked by market value and overall industry activity.

China is the world’s largest producer and exporter of drones, with DJI Technologies dominating the global consumer drone market. China’s commercial drone usage has grown in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure sectors, raking in $1.53 billion in 2024. The government continues to support domestic drone innovation under its Made in China 2025 strategy.

The U.S. is also one of the largest and most mature drone markets globally with an annual revenue of $1.38 billion. Fuelled by heavy investments in military UAVs, booming commercial applications, and companies like DJI’s competitors (Skydio, Zipline, Anduril), the U.S. leads in both hardware production and drone software innovation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also gradually adapted policies to enable wider drone deployment in logistics and surveillance.

Germany, apart from France, stands as the largest drone market in Europe. It is a leader in industrial and regulatory innovation. With strong support from the European Union's drone regulation framework, Germany is advancing use cases in urban air mobility (UAM) and automated flight systems. Companies like Wingcopter and Quantum-Systems are expanding international operations. The country made $0.14 billion in 2024.

The draft law aims to create a clear legal framework for drones to ensure the safety of air navigation and protect people and property.

It also outlines the responsibilities of authorities managing drone activities and encourages innovation and investment in this sector.

The draft law has now been sent to the Shura Council for review, the Qatar Tribune reports.

The Cabinet also approved a plan to identify key tourist areas in Qatar. These areas will be classified based on their unique features, such as historical sites, natural beauty, and climate with the ultimate goal of making Qatar a top tourist destination.

Additionally, the Cabinet praised two new strategies for economic growth: the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Strategy and Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy for 2024-2030.

Both aim to boost sustainable growth, develop manufacturing industries, and make Qatar more competitive in global markets.

The Cabinet also approved several international agreements, including partnerships with Turkiye on land transport, Algeria on air services, Oman on museums, and Djibouti on higher education.

Qatar further plans to cooperate with Paraguay on public prosecution and with El Salvador on security.

The competition, organised by National Cheng Kung University, gives students the opportunity to innovate and develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for simulated battle conditions. The students' designs are tested for performance in takeoffs, landings, and challenging navigation scenarios, with some drones inevitably crashing.

A professor in the university’s space systems engineering department and the event organiser, Jan Shau-Shiun, emphasised the relevance of drone technology in modern warfare, referencing lessons learned from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.

“From observing conflicts, we see that there’s often interference with the GNSS [Global Navigation Satellite System] before any fighting begins. When GNSS is blocked, how can the drone continue to operate? That’s the theme we developed for this competition," Jan explained.

With support from Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan has invested resources into drone technology, focusing on strengthening domestic capabilities to fill the growing demand for UAVs.

Graduate student Willy Huang, specialising in aerospace engineering, pointed to the technical challenges in developing effective drones. “The hardest part is working with provided components. You may not even know how the programming logic works,” Huang said, describing the complexities involved in decoding manufacturers’ technology to integrate with Taiwan’s systems. 

Associate Professor Yeh Szu-I from the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics noted the advantages of fixed-wing drones, which have greater wind resistance and stability compared to multi-rotor drones. “For future applications, this form of drone could be vital for reconnaissance and rescue missions,” Yeh told the AFP.

Differences over Taiwan's status have fuelled rising tensions between the island and the mainland. The ongoing dispute has led to heightened military confrontation in the Taiwan Strait, which geographically separates mainland China from the island of Taiwan.

The drones are expected to deliver perishable goods and essential medicines as well as serve as an innovative form of transport particularly in cases where there are limitations with regular sea and air transport services.

Dong Ming, CEO of VOLANT which is responsible for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) said the air taxi service has six seats to accommodate four to five passengers and a pilot.

"I think eventually this is going to shape the whole economic pattern and society pattern. Just like cars, when cars are happening, you can see especially the city pattern has been widely spread, so then people’s daily living range has been significantly extended. So with this tool, with this vehicle (air taxi), this is going to happen again," he told AFP.

"Once the economic and safety and comfortable performance have been approved, this is going scale up very fast, maybe in the following two to three years, every city is going to see one of the Volants (the company’s aircraft) on the roofs," he added.

As a final-year aerospace engineering student at the Airforce Institute of Technology in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, Shamsuddeen is determined to go beyond creating drones for the sake of it. His vision is to develop technology that addresses real-world problems within his community. "Looking at the food insecurity we are facing in Nigeria as well as in Africa, we needed to ensure that we bring solutions in that sector," he said.

Where passion meets practicality

Recognising the critical role agriculture plays in Nigeria’s economy, Shamsuddeen focused on creating drones that could help farmers enhance productivity while also reducing health risks. In Nigeria, where 26.5 million people were projected to face acute hunger during the June-August 2024 lean season, agricultural solutions have become more urgent. The World Food Programme reported that the food insecurity crisis in Nigeria is exacerbated by factors like conflict, inflation, and the impact of climate change.

Shamsuddeen saw an opportunity to automate farming processes, particularly the manual spraying of crops, which often exposes farmers to harmful chemicals. "If you look at the way they do their local way of spraying in the farm, it leads them to inhale some chemicals… Even though they are masked up, they still inhale it," he explained. The goal of Vora Robotics is to create drones that can safely and efficiently perform such tasks, reducing health risks and increasing agricultural efficiency.

The birth of Vora Robotics

Operating primarily in Kaduna and Abuja, Vora Robotics was co-founded a year ago by Shamsuddeen and four others. Shamsuddeen serves as the Chief Technical Officer, overseeing the company’s technological development.

Isayaku Musa, the Chief Operating Officer, shared insights on the company’s early challenges and growth trajectory. With a seed fund of 3 million Naira (approximately $1,920), Vora Robotics has been developing its products while employing a team of 10 workers.

"We want to perfect our product before entering the market," Musa said, emphasising that the company is still in its research and development phase.

However, logistical challenges, especially the need to import materials not readily available in Nigeria, have proven to be obstacles. "More than 60% of our requirements to develop this drone are locally sourced, but there are a lot of things we cannot get here, particularly in Kaduna State. We have to import it from somewhere far, sometimes even outside the country," Musa added.

Building a sustainable tech startup

Despite these hurdles, Vora Robotics remains committed to long-term growth and positive community impact. One of their key objectives is to create 1,000 jobs for Nigerians within the next five years. To achieve this, Musa called on the Nigerian government to support startups like Vora Robotics that are working to drive change and address critical challenges in the nation.

Watch the full interview:

“A military drone has crashed on Congolese soil. For now, it appears to have originated from Uganda. We have recovered the debris from this military aircraft and are currently analysing it to gather more information. Was this a reconnaissance drone? And why did it violate Congolese airspace in Ituri? We believe a deeper investigation is necessary,” Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, spokesperson for the army in Ituri was quoted .

Uganda operates long-range drones including the 24 fixed-wing MALE Hermes 900, VTOL Aerosode 4.7, and five Turkish VTOL Togan UAV, according to Military Africa’s Drone Procurement Dataset.

A recent survey by Suan Dusit University shows that 71.22% of participants regard the Thai language as a key national symbol. According to Asean Now , the results of this survey reveal the significant national pride in the language. The survey was conducted in line with National Thai Language Day 2024.

Tiger population

In Thailand's Western Forest Complex, tiger numbers have increased by 250% over the past 15 years. This success is attributed to strong law enforcement and monitoring efforts, resulting in a significant recovery of tiger and prey populations. This positive outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of long-term conservation interventions, Newswise reported. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) played a key role in the monitoring and conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of robust monitoring systems in conservation interventions. This success story provides hope for the future of tiger populations.

Apple advert

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has thanked Apple for filming their latest ad in Thailand, believing it will boost the country's global appeal and tourism. However, the ad, the fifth in Apple's "Underdogs" series titled "OOO (Out of Office)," has faced backlash from Thai internet users who claim it portrays Thailand unfavourably. Critics argue that the ad's use of a sepia filter and depictions of outdated scenes, such as rundown airports and crowded buses, present an inaccurate and outdated view of the country, Asean Now reported. The controversy led Apple to disable comments on the ad's YouTube page, which had garnered 5.1 million views by July 28th.

Request for armed drones

The Thai Army released a white paper requesting armed drones, attack helicopters, tanks, and other equipment to defend against various threats. According to Phuket News , the army chief distributed the paper to inform the public of the army's development plans and potential challenges until 2027.

EDC Thailand

EDC Thailand will debut in 2025 at Phuket's Boat Avenue Lakefront. The festival has not announced its lineup yet, but tickets are available on the EDC Thailand website and social media channels. EDC has been held in various countries and its flagship Las Vegas festival was voted the No. 2 festival in the world, Dj Mag reported. Earlier this year, clubs in several Thai cities were granted a curfew extension until 4 AM. There were reports that Tomorrowland would host its debut festival in Thailand in 2026, but this was later denied by the festival.

According to data from t he Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project , civilian deaths from drone and air strikes surged to 1,418 in 2023 from 149 in 2020. This alarming trend has sparked concerns among experts regarding the use of drone technology and its impact on civilian populations.

Associate Professor at the US Defense Department's Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Nathan Allen, emphasized that the issue lies not in the technology itself but in how it is deployed. “It’s not about the technology, it’s about how they’re used, and we’re seeing a pattern of them being used in ways that are causing an awful lot of harm to civilians,” said Allen.

Corinne Dufka, an independent analyst on the Sahel, highlighted the failure to distinguish between civilians and military targets, particularly evident in drone attacks on crowded markets and funerals.

Dufka notes that “The failure to distinguish civilians from military targets has long been a feature of ground operations. The killing of scores of civilians during drone attacks on crowded markets and funerals, especially in Burkina Faso, suggests the same could be true in the conduct of air ops.

A 2022 paper by Allen revealed that over a third of African countries had acquired drones, with the vast majority, if not all, possessing the technology for surveillance or combat purposes. While drones offer a more affordable option compared to fighter jets, their deployment has led to devastating consequences, particularly in conflict-ridden regions such as Burkina Faso and Mali.

In Burkina Faso, civilian fatalities have soared, with government-led drone strikes resulting in numerous civilian deaths, as documented by Human Rights Watch .

Similar incidents have been reported in Nigeria, where a drone strike during a religious ceremony claimed the lives of at least 85 people . "It is grave and regrettable. We will do everything possible to prevent such an occurrence from happening again in the conduct of our operations going forward," Head of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said.

Despite the potential benefits of drones in combating rebellions and insurgencies, concerns persist regarding pilot training and intelligence failures. Abdisalam Guled, former deputy director of Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency, emphasized the need for increased responsibility and regulations to protect civilians.

In Ethiopia, TB2 drones obtained through a bilateral agreement with Turkey in 2021 played a pivotal role in the military's triumph over Tigrayan rebels. Subsequently, the government has utilized these drones to quell uprisings in the Oromia and Amhara regions.

Sudan is no different. The Rapid Support Forces militia, engaged in a power struggle with the national army, has escalated its tactics with the use of sophisticated weaponry. UN investigators report that the militia is deploying combat drones supplied by the United Arab Emirates. Despite denials from the UAE regarding arming the RSF, the militia's rival, Sudan's army, has turned to Iranian Mohajer drones in response.

Meanwhile, non-state actors have also begun employing drones for their agendas. In Nigeria and the Sahel region, jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda or the Islamic State have been observed affixing improvised explosive devices to commercially available drones or utilizing them for surveillance purposes.

This drone christened ‘Nabh Rakshak’ has been built by Pisarv Technologies Company based in Indore in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. The company's Founder and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Abhishek Mishra claims that this is India’s first Artificial intelligence-enabled drone. 

“It boasts of 2 hi-tech cameras, as soon as one turns off the other camera takes over. Swift and automatic life-saving responses are possible as there is no need for a remote to fly it. It is equipped with a life-saving jacket, air balloon, and a thin rope,” said Abhishek Mishra.

The Nabh Rakshak drones will be deployed on all beaches of Goa, and river ghats (stairs) in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand where people take baths in rivers or other water bodies. 

The drones have already been incorporated by the Indian Navy for their various operations. Now in the central state of Madhya Pradesh also, authorities plan to employ this drone at strategic locations and a presentation is likely to be given to the government. Here this drone can be deployed on all big rivers and other water bodies including Hanumantiya, the largest water and adventure vacation destination in India, to save people.

On-board computer flies along with the drone

“A distinctive feature that sets Nabh Rakshak drones apart from other drones is that usually other drones fly but this drone has an on-board computer which flies along with it. This drone will automatically detect drowning incidents in the sea, river, pond etc and an alarm will trigger at the station based there, enabling rapid response to emergencies,” said Mishra.

Apart from detecting drowning people, another feature enables the drone to drop a life-saving jacket on the drowning person. A drowning person can swim comfortably in water for about an hour with the help of a jacket till his life is saved.

Inspiration behind drone’s creation

Chief People Officer (CPO) Roshni Shukla Mishra shared the inspiration behind the drone’s creation.

She recounted an incident where a boat capsized in a river in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

“The people sitting in it could be saved after a lot of effort. After this, the idea of making a device capable of saving people from drowning incidents struck her. As every year nearly 40,000 people in the country die due to drowning, the team at Pisarv Technologies decided to build a device to save people,” she said.

Drone will be useful in Kumbh Mela

Abhishek said that the drone would be very useful for the beaches of Goa to save lives during drowning tragedies.

“For this, talks were held with the government of Goa and an in-principle agreement was reached,” he said.

Apart from this, even when the Kumbh Mela will be held in Uttar Pradesh in the coming years, it can be used to control accidents. Kumbh Mela is a major pilgrimage and festival of Hindus but drowning accidents are also common as the festival is marked by a ritual dip in the waters.

The Indian Navy is already using the company's previous surveillance drone, 'Garuda', in surveillance areas. The installation of 'Nabh Rakshak' by the Navy in Koraput in the eastern state of Odisha was completed last month.

Fourth innovation of the company

Pisarv Technologies Company’s previous innovations include 'Saral' for children. It works on 3D Augmented Reality. The second one is 'Offline Codean Programs Solutions'. The third innovation is ‘Kawach’.

Kawach helmet by Pisarv Technologies is an innovative helmet for saving lives, prioritizing rider safety, and encouraging helmet use on the road. Now the fourth is Nabh Rakshak Drone which detects people in distress in water.

The first multi-specialty drone 'Garuda' was launched earlier which sounds an alarm as soon as there is a fire in the forest.