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Science and Technology question from UPSC CSE-Prelims, 2026

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.

Last updated Jun 9, 2026
Correct Answer: Option B — 2 and 3 only
Here is a breakdown of why:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Drone swarms typically use standard military or commercial radio frequencies (like UHF, VHF, S-band, or C-band) and satellite links to communicate with command centers. The Terahertz (THz) band is not commonly used for long-range command-and-control because it suffers from high atmospheric attenuation (signals get absorbed easily by air and moisture) and has a very short range.

Statement 2 is correct: The defining feature of a drone swarm is its decentralized, mesh-networking capability. Individual drones constantly communicate with one another to coordinate movements, share data, and avoid collisions without needing direct instructions for every action from the main controller.

Statement 3 is correct: GPS Spoofing is a highly effective electronic warfare countermeasure. It works by broadcasting fake GPS signals that trick the drones' navigation systems into thinking they are somewhere else, causing them to drift off course, crash, or land prematurely.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.

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UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims

Details

Exam UPSC CSE
Stage Prelims
Year 2026
Subject Science and Technology
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