New Delhi, September 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan has intensified the use of drones along the Line of Control (LoC), with Indian security agencies increasingly concerned that the unmanned aerial vehicles are being used for surveillance, weapons drops and to assist attempts by terrorists to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir.
Security forces have reported multiple suspected Pakistani drone sightings in forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir in recent months. In late August, three suspected Pakistani drones entered Indian territory near Rumil Dhara in Rajouri’s Nowshera sector, prompting troops to open fire and forcing the drones to retreat. A search operation was subsequently launched to determine whether any arms, ammunition or narcotics had been dropped.
A suspected Pakistan-origin drone was also spotted near Behrooti village in Poonch’s Mendhar sector on August 28. It moved towards the Mangalnar-Dabrote axis before returning across the LoC, following which security forces intensified surveillance and launched a search operation.
Earlier, the Army had shot down and recovered a suspected Pakistani surveillance drone in Jammu’s Khour sector. According to officials cited in reports, the drone was equipped with a high-resolution camera and its recovered memory chip reportedly contained footage of Army installations.
Security officials believe drones can provide information about troop movements and vulnerable stretches along the LoC, potentially aiding infiltration attempts. Recent security operations in Poonch and Rajouri have also focused on suspected movement of terrorists and alleged local support networks. The Jammu and Kashmir Police on September 16 said it had arrested three alleged overground workers in Rajouri and recovered an IED in a case linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The drone threat is not confined to Jammu and Kashmir. In Punjab, security agencies have repeatedly intercepted or detected drones suspected of carrying drugs, weapons and explosives across the International Border. The Punjab Police has now decided to deploy additional drones at vulnerable locations in Amritsar to strengthen aerial surveillance and track suspected handlers collecting cross-border consignments.
Officials have indicated that the heightened drone activity is being closely monitored as part of efforts to strengthen the anti-infiltration grid and prevent cross-border movement of terrorists and the delivery of weapons to local networks.
With security forces maintaining intensified surveillance along the LoC and adjoining areas, agencies are also examining whether recurring drone activity is linked to attempts to identify infiltration routes and support terrorist networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
FOLLOW NOW
