Pakistani Smugglers Upgrade Drone Tactics: BSF Faces New Challenge After Operation Sindoor

A temporary lull, now a growing threat again

Operation Sindoor was launched with the aim of curbing drone intrusions and cross-border smuggling along the Punjab border. For a while, the effort worked—there was a sharp drop in the number of Pakistani drones entering Indian airspace. But now, officials say smugglers are back, armed with upgraded drones and sharper strategies, posing a fresh headache for Indian security forces.

“Post Op Sindoor, there was a temporary lull in cross-border drone intrusions. However, these activities have now resumed with greater precision as Pakistani smugglers are deploying drones that penetrate deeper into Indian territory to drop drugs, arms and ammunition,” BSF DIG AK Vidyarthi told reporters.

According to security sources, the situation is alarming. Earlier, drones would typically release consignments just about a kilometre inside Indian territory. But now, intrusions are being spotted as far as 2 to 2.5 kilometres, sometimes even deeper.

The real aim of Operation Sindoor

Sources explained that Operation Sindoor was not just about smuggling—it was designed with wider goals in mind. “During Op Sindoor, priorities were broader — it wasn’t just about curbing cross-border smuggling but also about preventing drone and missile attacks,” said an intelligence officer.

Interestingly, smuggling activity had dropped significantly after the operation, largely because Pakistani handlers didn’t have enough local operatives in Punjab to pick up the consignments. But with time, smugglers found new networks and began upgrading their methods.

The Chinese connection: Smugglers go hi-tech

So what changed? Security sources say Pakistani smugglers have shifted to more advanced Chinese-made drones. These devices can fly longer distances, carry heavier payloads, and operate with higher precision.

On the Indian side, the challenge is compounded by the limited effectiveness of anti-drone technology. Currently, most intrusions are detected either by sound or visual spotting. Once a drone is identified, the information is passed on to the anti-drone squad, which then tries to jam the device or sever its connection with the operator sitting in Pakistan.

Experts say this isn’t enough. “Such interceptors should ideally be placed every few kilometres along the international border in Punjab to instantly detect an incoming drone — its direction, speed, altitude and other details — so that it can be jammed and forced into the ground,” a senior security official explained.

Why drones are flying deeper into India

One pressing question remains: why are drones being pushed further inside Indian territory than before?

According to BSF officials, the reason lies in the tighter security grid near the border. After Operation Sindoor, patrolling and surveillance were intensified. This made it risky for smugglers to drop consignments near the border, where receivers could be easily caught.

By sending drones deeper, Pakistani handlers ensure their Indian operatives or collectors remain far from BSF patrols. This reduces the chances of interception and gives smugglers more breathing space to complete their operation.

New flying patterns: higher altitudes and zigzag routes

Smugglers aren’t just flying deeper—they are also flying smarter. Sources revealed that Pakistani drone pilots are increasingly flying drones at higher altitudes while crossing the border to avoid detection. Once inside India, the drones descend to lower levels and follow zigzag flight paths to escape surveillance radars.

The strategy doesn’t end there. In many cases, drones are deliberately crashed once they complete their drops, leaving little evidence behind. These broken drones make it difficult for security forces to trace them back to handlers.

Challenges for BSF and security agencies

While BSF has been working tirelessly to check drone intrusions, officials admit the smugglers’ new methods pose a serious challenge. Anti-drone systems need to be upgraded and made more widespread along the Punjab border. Currently, the gap between detection and interception is allowing several drones to succeed in their missions.

Security experts stress that India needs a layered approach. Along with advanced jamming technology, there must be better coordination between ground patrols, aerial surveillance, and intelligence networks. “Technology alone won’t solve the problem,” one officer said. “We also need to cut off the receivers inside India who are waiting to collect these consignments.”

Growing risks for Punjab and beyond

The biggest concern is the nature of the payloads being delivered. While drugs remain the primary focus for Pakistani smugglers, there is also a growing threat of arms and ammunition being pushed across.

Officials fear that with advanced drones capable of carrying larger consignments, the risk of weapons falling into the wrong hands is higher than ever. “It’s not just about narcotics anymore. The possibility of arms drops makes it a national security issue,” a senior officer pointed out.

The way forward: what experts suggest

1. Stronger Anti-Drone Grid: Experts recommend placing interceptors every 5–7 kilometres along the Punjab border to ensure no drone goes undetected.

2. Better Intelligence Sharing: Coordination between state police, central agencies, and BSF is crucial. Cutting off local receivers can collapse the supply chain.

3. Use of AI and Radar: Artificial Intelligence-based detection systems can help identify unusual flight patterns and alert security forces in real time.

4. International Pressure: India may also need to raise the issue diplomatically with Pakistan, as drone-based smuggling is a clear violation of international norms.

Conclusion: A new-age security battle

Drone warfare is no longer limited to battlefields—it has entered the realm of smuggling, crime, and terrorism. Operation Sindoor slowed down the menace for a while, but Pakistani smugglers have come back with smarter strategies and upgraded drones.

For BSF and Indian security agencies, this is now a cat-and-mouse game that requires constant innovation. As smugglers go hi-tech, India too must strengthen its border technology, intelligence networks, and ground security to ensure that the skies above Punjab remain safe.