BSF explores novel approach using animals to detect cross-border drones
Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), November 30: The Border Security Force (BSF) is exploring a unique method to detect cross-border drone intrusions into Indian territory by utilising animals. BSF Director General Nitin Agrawal revealed this innovative approach, currently in its experimental phase, during an annual press conference held in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, commemorating the force's 59th Raising Day event.
Nitin Agrawal emphasised the adoption of specialised equipment aiding in intercepting drones, highlighting the heightened vigilance in spotting and taking down drones promptly. He mentioned ongoing training programmes for animals to sense incoming drones, a project still under experimentation but poised to yield further details soon.
Over the period from November 2022 to October 31, 2023, the BSF reported the recovery of a total of 90 drones along Western Border. Of these, 81 were retrieved from Punjab and nine from Rajasthan.
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In response to the escalating drone threat along the India-Pakistan border, the BSF has deployed hand-held static and vehicle-mounted anti-drone systems. Additionally, the force has initiated measures such as biometric registration of farmers with land proximal to fencing in Punjab and replacing border floodlights with LED lights.
The BSF also revealed a significant milestone in confiscating 69 Pakistani drones that breached Indian territory in the first 10 months of this year. These drones were intercepted, thwarting smuggling attempts, with most identified as "Made in China" Quadcopter models.
The recovered drones were predominantly seized from Punjab (60) and Rajasthan (9), with October registering the highest seizures of 21 drones—19 in Punjab and 2 in Rajasthan. The data indicated fluctuations in seizures across different months, emphasising varying intensity levels of drone activities along the border.
BSF officials shared that smugglers from Pakistan typically use these drones, primarily carrying narcotics, particularly heroin, in small quantities ranging from 500 gm to 1 kg, during nocturnal flights across the International Border. Responding swiftly to inputs, BSF units conduct search operations ahead of the border fencing to intercept these drones.
The recoveries, often executed in coordination with state police based on intelligence inputs, have spotlighted specific districts in Punjab like Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, and Abohar as areas witnessing drone-related smuggling activities.
- ANI
