Pakistan’s Chinese-origin Drones Begin Incursions In India Once Again: Why, How & More

Pakistani drones have once again been spotted over Indian territory, resuming activities after a brief lull following Operation Sindoor.

This resurgence in drone intrusions is alarming security forces, particularly along the Punjab border, where Pakistani smugglers have been using drones to airdrop weapons and drugs into India. The use of upgraded technology by smugglers has raised concerns over the effectiveness of India’s current anti-drone measures

What has caused the resurgence of drone activity?

After a temporary halt in drone intrusions following Operation Sindoor, sources indicate that the Pakistani smugglers have resumed their operations with enhanced precision. These drones, now capable of reaching deeper into Indian territory, are being used to drop contraband with higher accuracy.

The use of advanced technology has allowed drones to penetrate 2 to 2.5 kilometres into Indian territory, far beyond the previous range near the International Border. Border Security Force (BSF) DIG AK Vidyarthi confirmed that the activities have resumed with improved precision, which is particularly concerning for security forces.

How are Pakistani drones evading India’s anti-drone technology?

The drones being deployed by Pakistani smugglers are reportedly of Chinese origin and are designed to counter India’s anti-drone technology. These drones, typically detected by sound or sight, are often neutralised by Indian teams through jamming or disruption of their connection to operators across the border. However, the new generation of drones is flying at higher altitudes near the border to avoid detection.

Once they cross into Indian territory, the drones drop contraband at lower altitudes and use zigzag flight paths to further evade interception. Experts suggest that to effectively counter this threat, interceptors should be strategically placed every few kilometres along the Punjab border to track and neutralise incoming drones in real time.

What is the scale of the drone intrusion problem in Punjab?

Drone activities have become a significant security concern in Punjab, with the BSF seizing as many as 100 Pakistani-made drones by May 2025 alone. This is a sharp increase from the previous year, which saw the seizure of 294 drones along the Punjab border, nearly double the number from the year before.

The growing frequency of these intrusions, particularly with the use of advanced drones, highlights the escalating challenge posed by this method of smuggling and espionage. The authorities are working to strengthen their anti-drone systems, but the increasing sophistication of the drones presents an ongoing challenge.