Borders across the globe present unique security challenges due to their diverse climates, terrains, environmental conditions and the specifics of their geopolitical situation. Each type of border has distinct vulnerabilities that can be exploited, particularly by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) that are increasingly used for illegal activities such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, surveillance, and potential terrorism. These drones take advantage of the obstacles faced by border security forces, emerging as a significant and escalating threat whether in remote, sparsely populated areas or densely vegetated regions.

One Border, Multiple Challenges: The Intensifying Drone Threat at the India-Pakistan Border
The India-Pakistan border, spanning approximately 3,323 kilometers, stands as one of the world’s most complex and carefully monitored international boundaries. This border consists of several distinct segments and its terrain varies dramatically along its length, from the marshy salt flats of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, through the arid Thar Desert in Rajasthan, across the fertile plains of Punjab, to the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir. This diverse geographical landscape, combined with varying weather conditions and population densities along different sections, presents unique challenges for border security and surveillance operations.
The emergence of drone threats along the India-Pakistan border represents a significant evolution in border security challenges. Signs of this new threat appeared in mid-2019, when Punjab Police recovered four hexacopter drones, each capable of carrying a 4 kg payload. These drones had been used repeatedly to transport approximately 80 kg of arms, including small arms and AK-47 rifles, along with fake currency. This discovery exposed a serious attempt by separatist groups to exploit drone technology for cross-border operations.
While 2020 saw a temporary reduction in drone activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the threat reached a new level of sophistication in June 2021 with India’s first major drone attack. The incident at the Jammu Air Force base, where two drones carrying improvised explosive devices detonated over a building’s roof, demonstrated the evolution from smuggling operations to direct military threats. The scale of the threat is reflected in the escalating statistics with hundreds of documented cases of unidentified drones in 2023-2024, and the challenges facing Indian security forces are multifaceted and complex. The geographical nature of the border itself presents significant obstacles, with dense forests and difficult terrain along the Line of Control (LoC) providing ideal conditions for illicit drone operations. Modern drones pose three distinct security challenges: surveillance and reconnaissance using high-resolution cameras to gather sensitive data; smuggling operations for transporting arms, drugs, and counterfeit currency; and direct attacks on military installations. These operations are particularly concerning given evidence of coordination between state actors, specifically Pakistan’s ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), and various non-state actors.
Policy Meets Action: India’s Strategic Response to Aerial Threats
In response to these emerging threats, Indian authorities have implemented a comprehensive strategy combining policy initiatives with operational measures. In 2019, the establishment of the ‘National Counter Rogue Drone Guidelines’ marked the government’s first comprehensive framework to tackle drone threats. This was followed by the formation of two specialized committees – the Steering Committee and the Implementation Committee – to oversee and implement drone security measures.
On the regulatory front, the government introduced several significant measures. The Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) established mandatory registration requirements for all drone operators through the DigitalSky platform. This system includes the strict “No Permit No Take-off” (NPNT) policy and requires operators to obtain an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP). The Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued Standard Operating Procedures for handling sub-conventional aerial threats, developed in collaboration with the Indian Air Force.
Operational responses have been equally robust. The Border Security Force adopted a “Sight and Blight” strategy for unidentified flying objects, while significant investments were made in smart fencing and sensor technologies along the international border. In addition, the deployment of diverse counter-drone technologies that offer both static and mobile capabilities, with options for both “soft-kill” and “hard-kill” interventions against hostile drones, demonstrates the government and the military’s commitment to technological solutions.
Cyber Over RF: A Game-Changer in C-UAS Solutions for Border Protection
Addressing the complex challenges along the India-Pakistan border demands an advanced C-UAS solution—one that can specifically meet the diverse and demanding security needs of this unique environment. With multi-sensor detection capabilities, an ideal C-UAS solution would provide extensive coverage across varied terrains, from open plains to densely forested areas. Such a system must excel in conditions where traditional line-of-sight detection is limited and urban RF interference is prevalent, ensuring reliable identification and tracking across all border settings.
Protocol analysis capabilities are essential for accurately identifying and categorizing aerial threats, allowing for precise differentiation between authorized patrol drones and unauthorized incursions. To further enhance response precision, a comprehensive analytics module is needed to gather and interpret historical data, offering valuable insights into drone activity patterns.
An effective counter-drone technology must also prioritize safe mitigation methods that minimize risks to civilians and infrastructure. Unlike conventional approaches that could risk collateral damage, an advanced system would neutralize unauthorized drones without disrupting essential communications or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals. This capability is crucial in populated areas, military bases, and critical infrastructure zones where operational continuity is vital.
To achieve both autonomy and efficiency, the solution should be able to process multiple UAS signals simultaneously while maintaining zero false alarms, addressing the extensive manpower demands along the border. Seamless integration with existing border surveillance assets, such as radar systems and ground sensors, would further enhance this solution, creating a robust, multi-layered defense system suited to the complex and dynamic security landscape of the India-Pakistan border.
Strategic Partnerships: Advancing India’s Counter-Drone Capabilities
To bolster national security and address escalating drone threats along its borders, key players in India are forming strategic partnerships with leading C-UAS solution providers. One notable example is the collaboration between the Mahindra Group and Sentrycs, which is focused on developing and manufacturing advanced anti-drone solutions in India.
Sentrycs’ solution offers a comprehensive approach to counter-drone challenges, with capabilities to detect, track, and safely land unauthorized drones in designated areas—minimizing collateral damage and maintaining seamless operations for authorized drones. Equipped with advanced friend/foe identification and rapid deployment features, this solution is ideally suited to the dynamic and complex security demands of the India-Pakistan border, where threats can evolve swiftly.
Aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, this partnership emphasizes technology transfer and localized production of C-UAS solutions. Such collaborations reflect India’s proactive approach to border security, underscoring the nation’s commitment to technological advancement and self-reliance in countering UAS threats.