Drone seizures by BSF along Pakistan border double to 200; had downed 107 last year

The number of rogue drones intercepted by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the International Border in Punjab this year touched 200 on Saturday. During 2023, a total of 107 drones had been 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 machines 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 rivers that are difficult to guard.

BSF officers say that 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,” a statement issued today read.

The BSF has devised drills and procedures to detect and neutralise drones, which are largely based on visual and audio observations. 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 Ganganagar area in Rajasthan Frontier due to the proximity of dense habitations and numerous link roads along the border. The situation in 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, possibly from parts sourced from discarded drones or components and kits available commercially, all recovered drones are 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 grams that is attached to them with adhesive tape or cords.

The use of drones for smuggling began in 2018 – 2019, with initially larger hexacopters being used and occasional incidents being reported. Over the years, this activity has intensified and the trend has been to switch over to smaller drones that are cheaper and have lower visual and audio signature. These carry about half-a-kg load that is attached to them with adhesive tape or cords. Recovery of larger drones is now rare.