Trying to comprehend GOP's current approach to drones (from their online explanations through multiple direct/indirect handles), and I'm sorry to say that it seems flawed at multiple levels. I don't wish to be too blunt but it's disingenuous to call it as "strategic patience"! I'm in agreement with OP. This element of surprise has given India considerable tactical and strategic advantages, at this stage. Indeed, as the French PM Clemenceau had said, war is too serious a business to be left to the Generals.
India bought them in ~2007 (unconfirmed, but in mid-to-late 1990s, India had probably already purchased its prototype,
Harpy-2), had them inducted ~2009, and has continued to build on their integration. These aren't that cheap either as CM Punjab's public advisory & some handles claimed yesterday. And what have we done over the years? (could've just asked some Az friend). Still, I wouldn't dissect, and urge others too to not open a public debate/inquiry into this in the midst of conflict, God-willing, time will come!
Nonetheless, whoever is responsible,
MUST fix the present countermeasures soon.
Note that shooting down a kamikaze drone at the completion of its mission, when at the end of its endurance (Harop ~9hr, Mini-Harop ~1hr) it's going to commit suicide anyways, and claiming that we successfully tracked it on the radar & have finally hit it.... OR letting it loiter around for the duration of its endurance is... less said the better!!
Let's not forget, they aren't just after air defense systems, they aren't just sniffers, they're excellent day/night reconnaissance machines over land & sea both (no idea what they've already quietly mapped out over the sea). Now, it's not just reasonable to assume but
highly plausible that, in the regions where these drones have been located, all our high-value targets, not just air defense systems but command posts, supply depots, tanks, etc etc have been likely successfully mapped out?!
There is an urgent need to abandon this "do nothing, sit and watch" approach, and take control. The window for effective counter-measures (not just to drones) is closing progressively. In short, notwithstanding other available means and tools, whoever is responsible, should seek to take them down at the first identification (current approach is too little, too late) via, for example:
(1) High-Energy Laser (most effective, efficient; get one if don't have) or EMP
(2) Jamming (even though Harop is generally immune to jamming, but it should be possible with alternative means, tools and systems)
(3) Engage with own defensive drones
etc. Thank you.