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“Deterrence through Detection” UNCLASSIFIED

Case Study

Sri Lanka-Indian Combined Naval mission nab 500kg narcotics
worth nearly SLR 170 billion (19-25 November, 2024)

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On 19 November 2024, SLN shared information of a probable mid-sea transfer
by Sri Lankan flagged fishing vessels in the Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy (IN) responded
swiftly conducting extensive surveillance deploying an Indian Naval Long Range
Maritime Patrol Aircraft (LRMP) and a high endurance UAV to localise and intercept the
fishing vessels. In addition, an Indian naval ship with Marine Commandos onboard was
also deployed into the designated sea area.

Meanwhile, SLN kept providing continuous updates and essential inputs assisting
the IN counterparts. Within a matter of hours, two (02) fishing boats resembling
characteristics of the suspected craft were identified by the IN aerial surveillance and
reconnaissance aircraft. The aerial surveillance/reconnaissance craft continuously
shadowed the suspected fishing boats also relaying real time visuals. An additional IN
vessel was also sent to the location in assistance of the coordinated effort.

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By 24 November, upon approaching the suspected Sri Lankan fishing vessels the
Indian Naval ship deployed its integrated aerial drones for more accurate localization of
the vessels and situation assisting the boarding teams onboard. Subsequently, Indian
Marine Commandos boarded both suspected craft leading to the seizure of approximately
500 kg of narcotics (Crystal Meth) in total. The two Sri Lankan fishing boats, along with
crew and seized narcotics were handed over to Sri Lankan Navy ship at sea for further
legal action.

This single event not only highlights the depth of close coordination, cooperation
and mutual trust between two nations and its Navies but also the efficacy of the utility of
integrated maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned systems augmenting mission success.
If not for the augmented capabilities to act upon intelligence received, one cannot rule
out the possibility of these narcotics reaching our shores undetected.

Security and defence are bounded by time and space. Those who are unwise to
realize this when most needed will be damned by generations to come and despised even
by their ardent advocates. If we are not present in our SAOI, someone else will surely
have their presence established.

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UNCLASSIFIED “Deterrence through Detection”