Indian Army Leads Effort in Drone Surveillance and Neutralization on Borders with China and Pakistan

The Indian Army has taken significant steps to assume primary control over the surveillance and neutralization of drones along the borders with China and Pakistan. This transition signifies a pivotal change in India's approach to border security and counter-drone operations.

As part of the initiative, the Army plans to deploy nearly 30,000 drones to keep watch over aerial activities within a 35-kilometer range from the border and up to an altitude of three kilometers. This measure aims to combat the increasing threat posed by hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) along the western and northern borders.

Army Takes Charge of Low-Altitude Airspace

Under the newly developed strategy, the Army will manage the tracking and engagement of aerial entities within the specified border zone. According to officials, the Army currently handles approximately 97 percent of drone and anti-drone activities within this area.

To bolster surveillance and response capabilities, air command and control centers are being established along the borders with China and Pakistan. These centers will oversee cross-border drone activities, coordinate the deployment of Indian drones, and facilitate the quick neutralization of adversarial drones.

Western and Northern Focus

The Army intends to deploy about 10,000 drones in the western sector bordering Pakistan and over 20,000 drones along the 3,488-kilometer Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Area Corps Commanders will closely collaborate with Indian Air Force commanders and other agencies to ensure smooth operations and effective airspace management.

Lessons from Recent Conflicts

This expanded drone surveillance framework reflects lessons learned from recent military engagements. During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan utilized Turkish- and Chinese-made armed drones against Indian Army and Air Force units. Similarly, the People's Liberation Army has been using drones for surveillance in the eastern sector along the LAC.

Force Restructuring and Firepower Boost

In response to these evolving threats, the Army has established two rocket force units, two combined-arms Rudra brigades, and 21 Bhairav battalions. The artillery brigades now have a significantly increased operational range, extending from 150 km to nearly 1,000 km across the borders.

The formation of rocket forces was prompted by China's deployment of rocket regiments in eastern Ladakh following the Galwan Valley incident in 2020, as well as Pakistan's use of Fatah-1 and Fatah-2 rockets during Operation Sindoor.

Strategic Role of Bhairav Battalions

The Bhairav battalions are intended for tactical missions along the borders, freeing Indian Special Forces to concentrate on strategic deep-strike operations utilizing armed drones, surveillance technologies, and loitering munitions.

Proactive Posture Against Emerging Threats

The Army's large-scale drone deployment and enhanced border surveillance efforts come in response to Pakistan's acquisition of armed drones, radars, missiles, and rockets following Operation Sindoor, as well as ongoing Chinese aerial surveillance along the LAC.

Officials indicate that these initiatives represent a proactive and technologically advanced approach by the Indian Army to confront rapidly developing aerial threats and to ensure control over the low-altitude battlespace along the western and northern borders.