10 Military-Grade Drones Worth Rs 1.03 Crore Seized At Delhi Airport

Three Indian passengers were intercepted at Delhi airport with 10 professional-grade drones equipped with thermal imaging and laser range finders, described as military-grade unmanned aerial vehicles, officials said on Tuesday.

The drones, valued at over Rs 1.03 crore, were recovered from the passengers who had arrived at Terminal-3 from Hong Kong through Vietnam on September 25, an official statement said.

They were intercepted while crossing the green channel, based on intelligence developed



by customs officers. A detailed examination of the baggage led to the recovery of 10 drones along with complete accessories, including controllers, gimbals with cameras, cables, propellers and joysticks, the statement said. 

A Chartered Engineer's assessment confirmed that the drones were professional-grade and equipped with thermal imaging and laser range finders. They were assessed as military- or defence-grade UAVs requiring mandatory registration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the statement said.