The Punjab Home Department has taken a significant leap forward in enhancing the province’s security infrastructure by equipping the Civil Defence with state-of-the-art anti-drone guns. This development marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to safeguard Pakistan’s airspace from unauthorized and potentially hostile drone incursions. The announcement was made on Thursday by a spokesperson from the department, highlighting the strategic importance of this new capability.
At the heart of this initiative is the deployment of the EMG-150 anti-drone gun, a sophisticated piece of technology designed to detect, jam, and neutralize enemy drones while they are still airborne. This device can effectively disrupt drones within a radius of two to three kilometers, thereby preventing any threat before it can reach sensitive or critical locations. The Punjab Home Department plans to roll out these anti-drone systems across all Civil Defence units throughout the province, ensuring a comprehensive shield against aerial threats.
Training for the Civil Defence’s specialized Bomb Disposal and Anti-Drone Squad is being conducted by experts from the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC). This collaboration ensures that personnel are well-prepared to operate the advanced equipment efficiently. As part of a pilot project, the first EMG-150 unit has already been deployed in the Rawalpindi Division, serving as a testbed for wider implementation across Punjab.
Weighing only six kilograms, the EMG-150 is both lightweight and highly precise, capable of targeting drones at considerable distances with accuracy. It operates across eight different frequency bands, making it versatile enough to counter virtually any drone model in operation globally. The system employs a high-gain directional antenna that allows for pinpoint targeting, disrupting the drone’s control signals and forcing it either to land safely or become inoperable. Notably, the device can manipulate a drone’s flight path or bring it down in a controlled manner, minimizing collateral damage.
One of the key technical features of the EMG-150 is its ability to jam multiple satellite navigation systems, including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou. This capability is powered by a robust jamming system that delivers up to 200 watts of output, ensuring effective interference even under challenging conditions. The equipment is designed to function reliably in extreme temperatures, ranging from as low as minus 22 degrees Celsius to highs exceeding 65 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for diverse environmental conditions across Punjab.
The spokesperson emphasized that this upgrade aligns closely with the vision of Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who has prioritized strengthening the province’s civil defence mechanisms. The NRTC is committed to continuing the production of these anti-drone guns, aiming to bolster security measures further and protect critical infrastructure. This advanced technology is expected to play a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive installations, including government buildings, military sites, and public venues, thereby enhancing overall regional security.
With the increasing use of drones worldwide for both civilian and potentially malicious purposes, Punjab’s proactive approach to counter-drone technology sets a precedent for other regions. The integration of the EMG-150 into Civil Defence operations represents a forward-thinking strategy to mitigate emerging aerial threats and maintain public safety in an evolving security landscape.
