BSF pinpoints new drone-prone areas, flight paths point to involvement of Pakistan Army

The Border Security Force (BSF) has identified new areas of concern for drone activity after analyzing the flight paths of recently downed drones. The areas, mainly in Punjab but also scattered in other areas, have raised suspicions of increased drone activity, a trend that officials have attributed to the potential involvement of the Pakistan Rangers.

These areas have been designated for enhanced surveillance and technical monitoring after thorough inspection by senior officials. Recent visits by senior officials to drone sighting hotspots have further reinforced the need to designate these areas as high-risk areas for drone activity.

During the analysis, it was discovered that the drone was operated from a location near the Pakistan Rangers office. Notably, Amritsar recorded the highest percentage of drone activity this year, followed by Gurdaspur. Of the numerous sightings, approximately 90% occurred only in the Amritsar district.

In a particularly shocking incident on January 19, BSF troops discovered a cache of arms and ammunition in the border area of ​​Firozpur district. Items found included an AK-47 assault rifle, two rounds of ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62 mm caliber ammunition, and cash hidden in white sack sandbags. The incident highlights the seriousness of the threat posed by drones smuggling contraband across borders.

A senior official said that what is worrying is Pakistan’s new strategy of using drones to transport drugs, weapons and more.

“Recently, a dead pigeon was tied to a drone from Jaisalmer suspected to be used to supply arms and ammunition. Officials said it was to fool the army. Pakistan is expected to try more ways to deliver drugs to India, arms and ammunition,” a senior BSF official said.

Another challenge noted by the BSF and local police is that Pakistan has changed its strategy to use high-end, expensive drones that fly very high to deliver drugs, weapons and ammunition. These HD drones can fly at very high altitudes and carry heavy payloads at higher speeds, posing a challenge to security forces deployed along the India-Pakistan border.

According to data from the past two months, border security forces have seized nearly 20 drones. The market price of these drones is between Rs 150,000 and Rs 1.1 million, marking a change in approach in Pakistan. In fact, the drones shot down by the BSF this year were all high-value drones.