Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 6: After a brief lull in hostile drone activity post Operation Sindoor, Indian security agencies have again been put on high alert following renewed drone incursions along the Punjab border. The latest drones intercepted by the Border Security Force (BSF) near the International Border in Amritsar are reportedly more advanced, capable of flying at higher altitudes and with deeper penetration into Indian territory.

In a recent interception, the BSF recovered three pistols and over 1 kg of heroin after bringing down six Pakistani drones. “Reliable input and keen observation followed by swift action of troops once again thwarted attempts of Pakistan-based smugglers to pump drugs and arms in Punjab,” the BSF said in a statement.

Unlike earlier drone models, the latest versions follow zigzag flight patterns to evade detection and are often programmed to crash on Indian soil post delivery, complicating data recovery efforts. These drones are believed to be advanced Chinese-made models, making their detection and neutralisation significantly more challenging for Indian forces.

Sources indicate that Pakistan-based smugglers and terror handlers, emboldened by recent technological upgrades, have resumed aggressive drone operations after a temporary halt following India's retaliatory strikes post the Pulwama attack. Intelligence inputs suggest that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is not only backing these drone missions but also pushing terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba to exploit drone technology for reconnaissance and infiltration support.

These drones are being used for real-time surveillance to assess Indian border security patterns and identify safe infiltration routes. This shift comes as a response to heightened Indian security measures, especially after Operation Sindoor led to heavy losses among militant cadres.

At a recent ISI meeting in June, attended by leaders of major terror outfits, a decision was made to intensify recruitment and focus more on infiltration missions — now heavily dependent on drone assistance due to the near-impossible task of physically crossing the well-guarded Indian borders.

The Indian security establishment is currently reviewing its counter-drone strategy. While most of the current detection relies on sound and visual cues, authorities are looking to deploy more advanced interceptors capable of real-time tracking and neutralisation of drones.

With increased threat levels at both the Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab borders, India's border forces now face the twin challenge of preventing arms and drug smuggling while also thwarting technology-aided infiltration efforts. The revival of the drone menace has reinforced the urgent need for robust anti-drone infrastructure across sensitive border areas.