T’s ‘Garuda Squad’ soars to take down drones

Hyderabad: Telangana's ‘Garuda Squad', India's first avian unit specialised in counter-drone operations, demonstrated its impressive capabilities during the Integrated Intelligence Training Academy (IITA) canine passing-out parade on Friday. The elite squad, comprising specially trained Bonelli's eagles, showcased their ability to intercept and neutralise drones.The ‘Garuda Squad' is meant for securing no-fly zones using trained eagles, kites, and falcons to track and capture drones, enhancing security during VIP routes and events. The squad, combining nature's instincts with advanced security tactics, uses specialised nets tied to the feet to entangle and disable drone rotors. The use of eagles to combat drones is an alternative to anti-drone jammers which include radio frequency (RF) jammers, high-power microwave pulses and GPS spoofing devices. While these devices disable drones by interfering with their communication and navigation systems, eagles go straight for the prey."These magnificent birds are natural predators with exceptional capabilities. With a top speed of 390 km/hour and the ability to stay airborne all day, they are perfectly suited for drone interception," said an official.The squad currently operates with five Bonelli's eagles, each trained from birth and becoming flight-ready by age two. "What makes our squad unique is the combination of natural hunting instincts with modern technology. Each bird is fitted with GPS tracker and can be equipped with cameras for enhanced surveillance," the official said.The eagles can reach altitudes of up to 1,000 feet and are maintained on a strict diet of raw meat to keep them in peak condition. However, the squad currently faces limitations in night operation, despite the birds having the ability to fly throughout the day with minimal or even no breaks from flight.