Drone seizures by BSF along Pak border in Punjab double to 200; had downed 107 last year

The number of rouge drones intercepted by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the International Border in Punjab this year touched 200 on Saturday. During 2023, 107 drones were recovered.

Since November 1 this year, the BSF has shot down or recovered 11 drones from fields adjacent to border villages and seized about 3 kg narcotics, according to information available with the BSF.

Originating from Pakistan, these drones are used to smuggle weapons, drugs and other contraband, posing serious security challenges as it is difficult to detect such flying objects along a vast swath, especially at night. The length of the International Border in Punjab is 553 km. Though most of it is fenced, there are some riverine stretches along the course of the Sutlej and Ravi that are difficult to guard.

BSF officers say the use of drones, which is now the preferred mode of smuggling, does away with the need for traffickers on both sides to approach the border fence, which is risky due to patrols and watch posts. Drones can pick and drop consignments well away from the fence or check posts.

“The BSF has strengthened its control over border management by enhancing vigilance along the borders, strategically deploying cutting-edge technology and fostering close collaboration with border communities, local police and other allied agencies,” read a statement issued today.

The BSF has devised drills and procedures to detect and neutralise drones, which are largely based on audio- visual observation. A limited number of anti-drone systems have also been put in place.

Amongst BSF’s five frontiers facing Pakistan, Punjab is the most active as far drug smuggling is concerned, followed by the the Ganganagar area on Rajasthan frontier due to proximity of dense habitations and numerous link roads along the border. The situation at Jammu and Kashmir frontiers involves infiltration and influx of weapons, while southern Rajasthan and Gujarat, being sparsely populated in border regions, witness fewer such incidents.

Barring a few drones that had been assembled locally, all seized drones were of DJI Mavic series manufactured in China by a private firm based in Shenzhen, according to BSF officials. These are small drones weighing less than 1 kg and carry payloads up to 500-600 gm.