BSF Initiates Biggest-Ever Plan To Upgrade Drone Warfare Ecosystem After Operation Sindoor

Last Updated:July 23, 2025, 09:30 IST

Sources said internal analysis highlighted various limitations, ranging from need of high-quality surveillance drones to urgent requirement of counter-drone infrastructure

A top-level official said the government has already given a green signal to strengthen BSF’s drone ecosystem. (PTI)

In a major move aimed at strengthening its technological edge along sensitive borders, primarily India-Pakistan, the Border Security Force (BSF) has initiated a massive procurement plan to acquire advanced drone systems, counter-drone technologies, and a wide spectrum of UAV-related assets.

The strategic shopping spree follows an in-depth internal assessment conducted by the BSF, post-Operation Sindoor, which flagged requirement to work on specific issues and highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive upgrade in its drone warfare and surveillance capabilities.

A top-level official said the government has already given a green signal to strengthen BSF’s drone ecosystem. The force is looking at a strategic shift triggered by escalation post-Operation Sindoor.

According to sources, the internal analysis highlighted various limitations of drone warfare ecosystem, ranging from need of high-quality surveillance drones to an urgent requirement of robust counter-drone infrastructure. Sources said BSF has started preparing for any escalation along the western or eastern borders. Considering this, the BSF leadership has taken the decision to overhaul its drone strategy entirely.

Beyond Counter-Drone: A 360-Degree Focus

While counter-drone systems remain a priority—especially given the increasing threat of drone incursions carrying contraband or potential explosives from across borders—the BSF’s plan is broader.

When asked about the drone ecosystem that BSF is planning to emphasise, the officer said: “Focus would be to overhaul the entire drone warfare ecosystem, which includes surveillance and reconnaissance drones to provide real-time visuals over difficult terrain, dense forest cover, and riverine areas; combat and tactical drones equipped to carry payloads or execute precision operations during high-risk missions; counter-drone systems, including jammers, radars, kinetic interceptors, and RF-based systems to detect, disable, or destroy hostile drones."

AI-powered Platforms

Sources said the BSF is exploring AI-powered drone analytics platforms for automated target detection, pattern analysis, and predictive movement tracking using drone feeds. A senior BSF official said, “The next conflict or infiltration will likely be shaped not just by boots on the ground, but by eyes in the sky. We cannot afford to be a step behind."

A Look at Drone Tech Available Globally

To ensure it procures cutting-edge systems, BSF is studying global benchmarks and the following technologies that are redefining UAV warfare and security. This includes nano and micro drones that are small, stealthy, and ideal for indoor or close-quarters surveillance, and swarm drones for coordinated drone fleets capable of overwhelming defence systems and executing complex group manoeuvres.

Sources also said that anti-drone technologies like laser-based systems, RF jammers, and radar-integrated counter-UAV kits capable of neutralising threats mid-air as well as systems for drone detection and tracking systems that combine acoustic, RF, radar, and visual detection were on the list.

Ankur Sharma

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar...Read More

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar...

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