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“Deterrence through Detection” UNCLASSIFIED

Requirement of UAVs to the Sri Lanka Navy
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81. UAVs have gained significant attention in enhancing maritime surveillance and

reconnaissance capabilities. Their advantages, such as extended flight times, heightened
deployment flexibility, and the ability to capture high-resolution imagery and sensor
data, make them indispensable for monitoring maritime operations. Across the IOR,
countries are increasingly integrating UAVs into their maritime security strategies,
enabling efficient coverage of maritime zones and swift responses to emerging threats.

82. UAVs can serve as force multipliers for SLN ships by extending the force sensor

horizon and enabling stand-off offensive and defensive capabilities within equipment
constraints. Tactical UAVs, can offer opportunities for deploying limited aviation
capabilities from a range of minor war vessels, including patrol boats, for tasks such as
surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence collection, and communications.

83. At present there is an inability to afford a huge amount of capital from naval
budget for purchasing large seagoing platforms during next few years. Therefore, best
utilization of tactical UAVs at available larger platforms would be cost-effective and
efficient means to bolster its naval capabilities, despite budgetary constraints.
Moreover, it will address the nourishing maritime safety and security issues in the
maritime domain of Sri Lanka. Some of the most important maritime aspects
compensated from UAVs are listed below;

a. Wide area surveillance
b. Provide over the horizon targeting (OTHT) data

c. Surveillance and reconnaissance

d. Battle damage assessment
e. Surveillance of area prior to combat search and rescue operation

f. Obtain real time imagery of area or objects of interest
g. Surveillance of EEZ, fishery protection

h. Maritime patrol in the coastal area

i. Merchant traffic monitoring
j. Assistance in SAR operations

k. Coastal and maritime critical infrastructure protection

l. Pollution prevention, law enforcement and evidence collection

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‘NAVSTRAT-2030’

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UNCLASSIFIED “Deterrence through Detection”