Official UPSC Format

Which of the following statements with regard to drone swarms is/are correct ?
1. They use Terahertz band of frequency to communicate with the command centre.
2. Individual drones in the swarm can communicate with other drones in the swarm.
3. GPS Spoofing is a commonly used technique to counter drone swarm attack.
Select the answer using the code given below :

1. They use Terahertz band of frequency to communicate with the command centre.

2. Individual drones in the swarm can communicate with other drones in the swarm.

3. GPS Spoofing is a commonly used technique to counter drone swarm attack.

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle swarms utilize RF bands or SATCOM for command communication rather than the experimental Terahertz band. Electronic Warfare units commonly deploy GPS spoofing to counter swarms.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option B
Let's evaluate the operational technology of drone swarms based on Ministry of Defence Drone Warfare Manuals:
  • Statement 1 is Incorrect: Drones rely on standard Radio Frequency (RF) bands (like UHF, S-band) or Satellite Communications (SATCOM) to maintain long-range contact with command centres. The Terahertz (THz) band is highly experimental; because its waves suffer severe atmospheric absorption, it is strictly limited to ultra-short-range research, making it impossible for long-distance command links.

  • Statement 2 is Correct: A drone swarm is defined by its decentralized, collective AI intelligence. Drones actively form ad-hoc mesh networks to communicate directly with one another, allowing them to adjust formations and avoid collisions without human intervention.

  • Statement 3 is Correct: In Electronic Warfare (EW), GPS Spoofing is a primary defensive countermeasure. By broadcasting counterfeit satellite signals, defenders can override a drone's navigation system, forcing the swarm off-course or triggering automated emergency landings.
    • Conclusion: Statements 2 and 3 are scientifically accurate.

    🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    The examiner deliberately pairs a futuristic, buzzword-heavy technology ('Terahertz band') with a modern military concept ('drone swarms') to trick candidates who lack a fundamental understanding of radio wave physics and attenuation.

    Active Recall Flashcard

    Tap to Flip

    What Electronic Warfare technique is commonly used to counter drone swarm attacks by feeding them fake satellite signals?

    GPS Spoofing.

    Concept Flow Mapping

    Drone Swarms
    Use
    RF Bands
    GPS Spoofing
    Defeats
    Drone Navigation
    Drone Swarms
    Feature
    Decentralized Intelligence

    Logic Quest

    "Why is the Terahertz band unsuitable for drone-to-base communication?"

    Not analyzing core concepts like Modern Electronic and Unmanned Warfare through the lens of Previous Year Questions is a serious miss-out. This PYQ engine is specifically designed to help you decode the examiner's mindset and master highly probable Science & Technology questions for your upcoming Prelims.