Amit Shah announces India’s anti-drone unit as 250 drones intercepted along Pakistan border this year

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India is set to establish a comprehensive anti-drone unit to secure its borders, as the threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) continues to grow. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced this development on Sunday, emphasizing that the drone menace is expected to intensify in the coming days.

Speaking at the 60th Raising Day event of the Border Security Force (BSF) at its training camp, located approximately 300 km from the India-Pakistan border, Shah highlighted the promising results of a "laser-equipped anti-drone gun-mounted" system. This new technology has significantly increased drone detection and neutralization along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, with successful cases rising from 3 percent to 55 percent.

"The drone menace is becoming more serious, and we are addressing it through a 'whole of government' approach, with collaboration between defense and research organizations, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)," Shah said. He further revealed that more than 260 drones have been intercepted or downed along the border this year, compared to around 110 last year. The majority of these drones have been carrying arms and drugs, particularly in Punjab, with fewer incidents reported in Rajasthan and Jammu.

The Home Minister also praised the ongoing Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), which is being deployed to secure India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. While it has shown positive results in certain areas, he acknowledged that some improvements are needed.

Shah highlighted the Modi government's "Vibrant Village Programme," aimed at developing and integrating the remote border villages in northern India. This initiative, which has a fund allocation of ₹48,000 crore, is currently being piloted in around 3,000 villages.

In his address, Shah emphasized the importance of border security for India’s future global standing, stating that securing the nation’s borders is crucial for achieving the goal of global recognition by 2047. He also mentioned that the government has sanctioned significant funds for strengthening border infrastructure, including fencing, roads, and other logistics.

The BSF, with a strength of approximately 2.65 lakh personnel, continues to protect over 6,300 km of India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Shah noted that the government had created 573 new border posts and constructed 1,812 km of roads to bolster security. Additionally, 13,226 newly trained personnel have been deployed, and about 12,000 more will join soon.

BSF officials also addressed the increasing challenge posed by drones carrying illegal goods from across the Pakistan border. The force has deployed an anti-drone system developed by the DRDO to counter this emerging threat.