BSF's Inaugural Drone Warfare Graduates Ready for Deployment
In a significant advancement for India's aerial defence and border security, the Border Security Force (BSF) has successfully trained its first batch of "drone warriors" at the newly established School of Drone Warfare. Situated at the BSF Academy in Tekanpur near Gwalior, this institution is focused on equipping personnel to effectively respond to modern aerial threats and improve combat preparedness in critical border areas.
Forty-two officers have completed their training in advanced drone operations and are set to graduate soon. These officers will be tasked with instructing subordinate ranks across various BSF units, facilitating the rapid dissemination of drone warfare expertise throughout the force.
BSF Director General Daljit Chawdhary inaugurated the specialised school on September 2. The facility boasts state-of-the-art amenities, such as drone simulators, live flying zones, night operation training modules, RF jammers, kinetic interceptors, payload integration systems, and AI-based tracking tools. With an initial funding of ₹20 crore, the centre plans to train 10 to 12 batches annually, producing approximately 500 skilled drone commandos each year.
This initiative comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, which underscored the vital role of drones in contemporary warfare. In response, the BSF established this dedicated training centre to build proficiency in surveillance, reconnaissance, jamming technologies, and offensive drone strategies. Another group of trainees is currently participating in an intensive eight-week programme at the facility.
By formally incorporating "drone warriors" into its operations, the BSF is strategically strengthening its capacity to counter threats from hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), smuggling activities, and cross-border intrusions. Officials have indicated that this capability will significantly bolster India's border management and security framework.
