After Pak drones swarmed its skies during Op Sindoor, Punjab set to procure and deploy anti-drone systems
Punjab is taking strong steps to improve its aerial security after a surge in drone activities near its border with Pakistan. This move follows multiple unauthorized drone flights during Operation Sindoor, a security drive aimed at stopping cross-border smuggling and militant actions.
The Growing Drone Threat on Punjab’s Border
Punjab shares a long and sensitive 532-kilometer border with Pakistan. This border runs from Pathankot in the north to Abohar in the south. Recently, security forces, especially the Border Security Force (BSF), have reported a sharp rise in drone intrusions from across the border. These drones often carry drugs, weapons, and other illegal items. Such activities threaten peace and safety in border areas.
During Operation Sindoor, which focused on curbing illegal cross-border actions, the drone threat became very clear. Multiple drones were spotted flying over Punjab’s border regions. This increase alarmed officials and security experts. As a result, there was an urgent demand to strengthen the state’s defense technology.
Punjab’s Strategic Response: Procuring Anti-Drone Systems
In response, the Punjab government approved buying nine advanced anti-drone systems. This purchase will cost about ₹51.41 crore. The new technology aims to modernize Punjab’s border security. These systems will help detect and stop unauthorized drones in real time. Consequently, they will reduce the smuggling of illegal goods and enhance public safety.
These anti-drone systems will work alongside the current surveillance efforts by the BSF and other forces. They use radar, radio frequency jamming, and electro-optical sensors to spot and neutralize drones before they complete their missions.
How Anti-Drone Technology Works
The anti-drone systems use several layers of technology for protection:
- Radar and Radio Frequency Detection: They scan the airspace for small unmanned drones. Radar spots the physical drone, while RF sensors detect its communication signals.
- Tracking and Identification: Once a drone is detected, the system tracks its movement. It also identifies the drone’s model to judge how dangerous it is.
- Neutralization: Depending on the threat, the system can jam the drone’s control signals. This forces the drone to land or return home. In some cases, it uses high-powered microwaves to disable the drone’s electronics.
Such technology is essential to combat drones flying low and stealthily, often out of the visual range of ground forces.
Strengthening Border Security and Public Safety
Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stressed that these new systems are part of a broader plan to protect the state’s borders. He assured citizens that the government is doing everything possible to stop drones from smuggling harmful goods.
He said, “Though the ceasefire on the border is positive, drone smuggling remains a threat. Our new technology will help stop this menace effectively.”
Supporting Ongoing Security Efforts
The anti-drone systems will add to ongoing efforts by the BSF, Punjab Police, and intelligence agencies. These forces are patrolling border areas more actively and intercepting illegal shipments. Recently, BSF officers seized several drones carrying heroin, firearms, and other contraband. These successes show the progress being made.
However, drones continue to operate even after the ceasefire, highlighting the need for faster, automated aerial defenses.
Challenges in Deployment and Future Plans
Installing these systems along Punjab’s vast border is a complex task. The government is working with central agencies and technology firms to customize the equipment for local needs.
Training security personnel on the new tools is also crucial. The plan includes setting up command centers to monitor drone activity continuously. The goal is a network that detects, tracks, and stops drones quickly and efficiently.
Wider Impact on National Security
Punjab’s move shows the growing need to tackle drone threats in India’s border areas. As drone technology becomes cheaper and more advanced, security forces face new challenges.
By investing in anti-drone technology, Punjab leads the way in protecting its borders. This effort may inspire other border states facing similar threats. It will also contribute to India’s overall security strategy.
Conclusion
Punjab’s plan to deploy advanced anti-drone systems is a timely response to increasing drone threats along the Pakistan border. Operation Sindoor exposed the scale of the problem clearly.
These systems will help create a strong aerial defense. They will stop contraband smuggling and improve safety in border areas.
As drone technology evolves, so must the methods to counter it. Punjab’s efforts mark an important step in securing the skies and protecting its people.
