You are reading it here first: Days after the drone attack in Jammu, the Union government is modifying its existing rules for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and also looking at various Made in India counter-drone solutions that can detect and combat rogue UAVs such as the one that bombed the Indian Airforce base in Jammu and Kashmir. "Rules for drone operations, research, manufacturing, and exports are being liberalised and are likely to be released for public consultation around August 15, 2021," Amber Dubey, Joint Secretary at Ministry of Civil Aviation and head of the drones division told MediaNama in response to specific queries about the ramifications of the UAV attack, if any, on drone policies. "The proposed rules were presented to the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers and senior government officials on June 29, and have received wide encouragement and support. The valuable feedback received in the meeting is being incorporated and will be submitted to the committee of secretaries soon," Dubey added. Ever since the UAV attack on the airbase in Jammu Airport, there has been palpable tension in the drone community in regards to the effect, if any, on the drone rules. Apprehensions were amplified when the Rajouri district administration in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday announced a blanket ban on the operation, sale, and possession of drones or flying toys within the district limits. Those who already have drones were asked to deposit their properties with the police. However, it is important to note, that when MediaNama asked…
