For the first time, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will be used by Indian Armed Forces to detect Naxal hideouts in dense forests and hilly terrains and monitor the movement of ultras to help ground forces carry out precision attacks. The UAVs, with built-in cameras and well-equipped with both data and video links, will gather and record information which will then be shared among the security forces engaged in anti-Xaxal operations, specifically in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

The trials of the UAVs, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), have recently been conducted in Hissar and Delhi, with more trials to be conducted in jungles of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand soon. "We are satisfied with the UAV trials in Hissar and Delhi. If we are satisfied with next stage of trials, we will take the help of UAVs in our operations against Naxals," an Indian Home Ministry official said. (Source: Press Trust of India)