BSF Inspector-General highlights advanced drone threat from Pakistan and ongoing security measures: Report

Officials have reported that the use of radars for detecting drones has been significantly intensified.

Inspector-General of the Border Security Force (BSF) Punjab Frontier, Atul Fulzele, revealed on August 9 that newer drones from Pakistan have become more sophisticated. These drones are now smaller, capable of flying up to 1 kilometer in height, and are harder to detect, reported The Tribune.

In a half-yearly media briefing at the BSF headquarters, IG Fulzele reported that since January 1, the BSF has seized 137 drones, 28 weapons—including pistols and two AK rifles—and 160.28 kg of heroin. He noted a significant decline in land smuggling, with most weaponry and drugs now being transported via drones, according to the report.

Fulzele also mentioned the state government's initiative to enhance border surveillance with the installation of 3,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras, although the project is still underway. Additionally, he highlighted increased vigilance in the Western sector due to political unrest in Bangladesh, though no unusual activities have been observed so far, the report said.

Fulzele stated that all seized drones are being examined in a specialized laboratory and have been identified as Chinese-made Mavic models, The Tribune added. “Earlier, the drones which were being flown had a payload capacity of 3-4 kg, had a detectable sound and could even be viewed visually but the newer versions of drones could carry only 500 g weight and emit no sound. For the new-age drones, we are deploying a different counter strategy as there is a higher chance of missing them,” he said.

Officials have reported that the use of radars for detecting drones has been significantly intensified. Inspector-General Atul Fulzele confirmed that laboratory analysis of the drones revealed that their launch pads are situated near Pakistani Rangers’ outposts, the report added.

“We get the exact coordinates of the point from where they had taken off. Since the drones are being flown from points very close to the IB, it indicates that their use is state-sponsored. We have taken up the matter with the Rangers at all our meetings but they have always been evasive in their response,” he said.

The IG also announced that the Director-General of the BSF will visit the Attari border on Independence Day. The event will feature a performance by an all-women band and include a dog show, it added.