In a major development along the Line of Control (LoC), Indian security forces have successfully shot down over 50 Pakistani drones in the last one year. These drones were reportedly being used by Pakistan to spy, drop weapons, and smuggle drugs across the border into Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. The Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF), along with advanced air defence systems, have been on high alert, ensuring that these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) do not enter deep into Indian territory.
According to officials from the Ministry of Defence, most of the Pakistani drones were either reconnaissance drones or quadcopters that were flying at low altitude. Some were detected trying to drop arms, ammunition, currency, or even explosives for terrorist groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Many of them were also used to monitor Indian troop movements along forward posts. However, due to improved radar tracking, electronic jamming systems, and night surveillance, Indian forces have been able to identify and destroy these drones quickly.
The majority of the drone sightings took place in sensitive areas such as Uri, Poonch, Rajouri, Akhnoor, and Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. In Punjab, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran have been the major targets. These drones are believed to be operated by Pakistan’s ISI-backed terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Khalistani groups who are trying to revive terrorism in India.
An official from the BSF Jammu Frontier stated, “In the last year, our forces have intercepted over 50 drones coming from across the border. Some of them were carrying weapons, while others were used for spying purposes. Our anti-drone teams, especially in border districts, have been strengthened.”
These drones are often Chinese-made commercial models, easily available in the global market, and modified with additional battery packs and GPS. Some drones were equipped with night vision cameras and release mechanisms that allowed them to drop payloads remotely. A few even had coded signals to avoid detection. But India’s integrated surveillance network, including thermal imaging, radars, and signal intelligence, has made it harder for them to escape.
The growing use of drones by Pakistan has become a serious national security concern. In 2021, two Indian Air Force personnel were injured in a drone attack on the Jammu Air Force Station, marking the first use of drones for a terrorist attack on Indian soil. Since then, India has invested in anti-drone systems, including laser weapons, jamming equipment, and high-powered radars.
In many cases, local villagers have helped by reporting drone sightings. In one instance, a group of farmers in the Samba district saw a drone hovering over a field at night. They immediately alerted the police, who informed the army. The drone was later shot down, and a packet containing grenades and cash was recovered. This shows how important civilian cooperation is in fighting this drone threat.
Officials say that many drones also came from the Shakargarh sector and Pakistani Punjab, which is near the Indian border states. These drones usually fly during early morning or late night hours to avoid detection. But India’s new AI-based tracking systems have made it easier to identify flight paths, movement patterns, and even launch points across the border.
Several security experts have raised concerns that Pakistan is increasingly using drones as a low-cost warfare strategy. Unlike traditional weapons, drones are cheaper, easier to hide, and difficult to trace. A retired Army officer explained, “Pakistan knows it cannot win a direct war, so it is using drones to cause disruption, smuggle weapons, and aid terrorists. We must stay one step ahead.”
To counter this threat, the Indian government has taken several steps. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all states, especially border states, to create drone response teams and install anti-drone jammers. The Indian Army, Air Force, and paramilitary forces are being trained in drone detection and neutralisation techniques. Private companies are also being encouraged to develop indigenous drone defence technology.
The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has already tested anti-drone systems that can detect and destroy UAVs within a radius of 5 to 10 km. These systems use a combination of radar, electro-optical sensors, and radio frequency jamming. Some versions can even fire laser beams to destroy drones mid-air.
Security agencies have also shared this intelligence with friendly foreign nations. Reports suggest that Pakistan-based handlers are using encrypted communication apps to guide drones. Some are even fitted with auto-return functions, allowing them to fly back if not intercepted. India has also raised the issue of cross-border drone threats in international forums, calling it a violation of air space and a serious act of aggression.
Meanwhile, local police and village defence committees are being trained in spotting and reporting drones. Awareness campaigns are running in border districts to educate people about what to do if they see a suspicious flying object.
The shooting down of over 50 drones in a year reflects the efficiency of India’s upgraded border surveillance systems. However, it also shows the urgency of the threat posed by Pakistani drones. As technology advances, India must stay ahead in both defensive and offensive drone capabilities.
Many believe that a new kind of warfare has begun—a battle not of soldiers, but of machines. And in this battle, India must prepare to protect its borders from invisible aerial enemies.
The Indian government is also planning to bring a National Drone Policy Update that will not only regulate commercial drone use but also set stricter rules for drone imports, surveillance, and enforcement. Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said that drone terror would be handled with an iron fist, and today’s numbers prove that India is walking that talk.As of now, over 50 Pakistani drones have been neutralised, dozens of payloads seized, and terrorist attempts foiled—a significant achievement in India’s efforts to maintain peace and security in border areas.
