BSF to establish 'drone squadrons' along Pakistan border post Operation Sindoor

In a significant escalation of border security measures, the Indian government has sanctioned the establishment of specialized "drone squadrons" within the Border Security Force (BSF). This strategic decision, revealed by officials on Tuesday, aims to effectively neutralize enemy drones and mount counter-assaults across the 3,323-kilometer India-Pakistan border, spanning from Gujarat to Jammu and Kashmir. The move follows a critical assessment of the four-day conflict with Pakistan, dubbed 'Operation Sindoor', which occurred between May 7 and May 10, 2025, during which Pakistan reportedly deployed nearly 1,000 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into Indian territory.

The proposed drone squadrons will be stationed at sensitive BSF border outposts (BOPs) and will comprise various types of UAVs, including those for advanced surveillance and reconnaissance, long-endurance models capable of precision attacks on high-value enemy targets, and kamikaze drones. Select BSF personnel, already possessing technical expertise, are undergoing specialized training in drone operations, encompassing surveillance, cross-border precision and swarm attacks, engaging hostile drones, blinding enemy radars, and jamming signals. Each designated BOP is expected to house two to three trained drone operators, overseen by a central command center being set up at the BSF's Chandigarh battalion.

Government officials have affirmed that there will be "no fund constraints" for this crucial initiative, which has gained top priority in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. During the May conflict, triggered by the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the BSF successfully neutralized numerous Pakistani drones and conducted retaliatory strikes, damaging over 118 Pakistani posts along the Jammu frontier. Beyond drone deployment, the BSF is also fortifying bunkers and personnel structures at all border outposts to minimize casualties during any cross-border offensive, underscoring India's comprehensive approach to modernizing its border defense capabilities against evolving threats.