New Delhi, October 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The growing frequency of drone intrusions from Pakistan, allegedly used to smuggle arms, ammunition and narcotics into India, has emerged as a major security challenge, with border agencies struggling to intercept the increasing number of unmanned aerial vehicles entering Indian territory.
Security officials say Pakistan-based smugglers are increasingly deploying multiple drones in quick succession to overwhelm Indian interception systems, hoping that at least one carrying a substantial payload will evade detection and reach its destination.
Indian security agencies have stepped up efforts to shoot down or drive away drones as soon as they are spotted. Officials say detection and interception technology has improved considerably over the past two years, with one official estimating the advancement at nearly 50 notches. However, the growing volume and changing tactics of drone intrusions continue to test the capabilities of border forces.
According to an official, agencies possess technology to intercept or deter drones, but the sheer number being deployed has placed the existing systems under pressure.
Smugglers have reportedly adopted a sequence-based tactic to increase the chances of successful deliveries. A drone is first sent as a test, followed within minutes by another carrying a smaller quantity of drugs. After that drone is intercepted, a third drone carrying a larger consignment is sent across the border.
These subsequent drones are reportedly more likely to evade interception.
“This is a clear tactic that has been adopted by Pakistan-based smugglers to stress the Indian security system,” an official said.
Residents of several Indian villages along the Pakistan border have also reported frequent drone sightings, another official said. Villagers have told security agencies that additional drones often appear shortly after an earlier one has been intercepted, suggesting that the intrusions are becoming more persistent.
“The security agencies are working on upgrades continuously to tackle the ever-evolving menace of drones,” the official said.
An Intelligence Bureau official said drone sightings in Jammu and Kashmir remained lower than those reported in Punjab. However, smugglers were gradually increasing the number of drones they intended to send into Jammu and Kashmir, the official added.
According to the official, the suspected objective is to deliver arms and ammunition to help revive terror groups, while narcotics dropped by drones are allegedly intended to generate funds for terrorist activities.
Between 2025 and 2026, Jammu and Kashmir recorded nine drone intrusions, according to the information provided by officials. The focus there has been on smaller consignments, including pistols, cash and limited quantities of high-grade narcotics, allegedly intended to finance local handlers and sustain terror groups.
The situation in Punjab has been considerably more serious, with a total of 854 drone intrusions recorded across the Punjab and Rajasthan sectors during the same period.
Of these, 474 drones were brought down or recovered. Security agencies also recovered 777 kg of heroin through drone-related interceptions and seized more than 200 firearms, including automatic rifles and modular weapons.
In addition, authorities intercepted 10 kg of military-grade RDX explosives and 12 hand grenades from drone payloads during the period.
Officials say smugglers are exploiting the extensive stretch of the International Border to increase the likelihood of successful deliveries. Despite improvements in drone detection and interception capabilities, the growing frequency of incursions continues to pose a serious challenge.
With repeated drone deployments becoming a recurring concern, security agencies are expected to continue upgrading their technology and interception systems. Officials warn that the current tactic relies on overwhelming border defences with multiple drones in the hope that at least one carrying a larger payload will successfully enter Indian territory.
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