Army Engages Pakistani Drone Along LoC Amid Surge In Cross-Border Aerial Threats Ahead Of Republic Day 2026

Pakistan seems to be at it again! Just days ahead of Republic Day 2026 celebrations, Indian security forces have spotted several drones along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Samba, Rajouri and Poonch districts. Taking action, the Indian Army opened fire at a suspected Pakistani drone spotted hovering along the Line of Control in the Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri on Sunday evening (January 11, 2025).

Following the attack, the drone retreated back towards Pakistan after troops attempted to neutralise it, police sources told The Indian Express. The timing of the incident assumes greater significance as it underlines heightened vigilance amid rising security concerns in the run-up to January 26.

A video circulating from the area showed tracer rounds lighting up the night sky as security forces responded to the aerial intrusion. The visuals drew parallels with last year’s Operation Sindoor, when similar counter-drone engagements were witnessed along sensitive border stretches.

Search operations launched for possible arms drop

Following the incident, the Army launched intensive search operations in the area to ascertain whether the drone had dropped weapons, explosives or narcotics. The move comes a day after a drone crossing over from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) dropped a consignment of arms in the Samba sector, indicating a possible coordinated push using unmanned aerial vehicles.

In the past few months, security agencies have flagged a noticeable spurt in drone intrusion attempts across Jammu and Kashmir over the past few days. On Saturday, the Border Security Force (BSF), along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, seized a drone-dropped arms consignment near the International Border in Samba district.

The recovered cache included two pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds of ammunition and a grenade, according to officials.

BSF, Police thwart cross-border smuggling bid

It is worth mentioning here that the seizure followed joint search operations launched after reports of a cross-border drone movement over Paloora village in the Ghagwal area late Friday night. Officials believe the consignment was dropped from the Pakistan side as part of an arms-smuggling attempt aimed at destabilising the region.

With Republic Day celebrations approaching, security forces have significantly intensified their vigil across the Jammu region. Combing operations have been stepped up, additional checkpoints (nakas) established, and aerial surveillance heightened to counter any potential threat.

On Friday, a small drone suspected to have been used for reconnaissance was seized in the R S Pura area, further reinforcing concerns over hostile surveillance activities.

Satellite phone signal triggers fresh searches

Meanwhile, security forces launched search operations in the Kanachak area along the International Border near Jammu after intelligence agencies detected signals linked to satellite phone communication, officials said. Authorities also reported several drone-like objects across border districts on Sunday evening.

A drone with blinking lights was seen moving from Dharmsal village in Kalakote towards Bharakh in Rajouri district around 6.35 pm. Moreover, another object hovered briefly over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector of Samba at around 7.15 pm.

A similar flying object was observed moving from Tain towards Topa in the Mankote sector along the LoC in Poonch district at around 6.25 pm.

Security agencies are analysing these sightings to determine whether they were linked to surveillance or arms-dropping attempts.