Greater Chennai Police launches drone unit
The police force, which serves the state capital of Tamil Nadu, have established a new Drone Police Unit to provide aerial surveillance support to its officers
The unit has a fleet of nine drones, classified into three categories: six ‘quick response surveillance drones’; one ‘heavy lift multirotor drone’; and two ‘long-range survey’ drones. The drones can be operated at ranges of between five and 10km from the ground station, depending on type.
The initiative will cost approximately ₹36 million ($438,717), and will enable the police force to monitor large public events, identify suspects and missing people, and check vehicle registration data remotely.
Elsewhere in India, the Uttar Pradesh State Police Department placed an order for 84 drones with manufacturer Sagar Defence Engineering in May.