The Border Security Force (BSF) has reported a drastic rise in drone sightings along the International Border (IB) with Pakistan this year as compared to last year. So far, 107 drones have been spotted crossing the border this year, compared to 97 in all of 2021. The majority of drones have been seen in Punjab, with 93 intrusions reported between January 1 and July 31, followed by 14 in Jammu. The drones are being used to smuggle arms, explosives, drugs and fake currency across the border by terror outfits such as Lashkar–e–Taiba (LeT) and its offshoot in Jammu and Kashmir The Resistance Front (TRF), Jaish–e–Mohammed (JeM) as well as Khalistani outfits backed by Pakistani spy agency ISI. The BSF has deployed several technologies including ‘Anti–Drone Guns’ and has managed to take down six drones this year in Ferozepur, Amritsar and Abohar areas of Punjab till July 15 this year. Experts say that drones are being used by Pakistan based groups to avoid capture of men and reduce costs. Steps need to be taken for the indigenization of drone sensors and platforms in order to counter these drone intrusions.
China has also stepped up the deployment of drones and helicopters along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh. Our brave pilots from the IAF scrambled Sukhoi-30MKI fighters a number of times over the last few weeks. However no violations were noted.
- Chinese troops have recently clashed with Indian soldiers near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang region.
- Satellite images show that China has stepped up its military activities and built airbases near Tibetan regions, such as Bangda Airbase, Shigatse, and Lhasa.
- Fighter jets, high–resolution and long–range drones, and airborne early warning and control aircraft have been deployed in these airbases. •
- In response to China‘s aggression, the Indian Air Force has increased air patrols over the skies of Arunachal Pradesh and the Indian government has assigned the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to develop and maintain road networks in the key border areas of western Assam and western Arunachal Pradesh.
- Mobile towers have also been installed in Tawang in order to enhance connectivity near the border region.
The Indian Army has also deployed advanced Israeli–made Heron drones to monitor the movements of the adversary and install surveillance cameras and sensors to ensure round–the–clock surveillance capability.
Read more about it here:
Drone intrusions along India-Pak border have risen in 2022: BSF Data – Hindustan Times, Aug 31,2022
Incursions, drones, border infra show China unlikely to back-off – Times Of India, Dec 14, 2022
China builds 3 airbases, deploys warplanes on India border – India TV, Dec 20, 2022
China war-gamed Arunachal after Tawang clash – NDTV India, Dec 19, 2022
Israeli drones for 24×7 surveillance on China border – Telegraph India, Dec 15, 2022