Srinagar, Dec 01 (KNO): The Border Security Force (BSF) is significantly expanding its drone warfare, surveillance and technology-driven operational capabilities across the Kashmir Frontier to tackle emerging security challenges along the Line of Control (LoC), Inspector General (IG) Ashok Yadav (IPS) said Monday.
Speaking at the BSF’s Annual Press Meet 2024–25 in Humhama on the occasion of the force’s 61st Foundation Day, IG Yadav said modernisation is now “a non-negotiable element” in India’s border defence strategy.
“The future of border security will be decided by technology. Drone warfare, AI integration and night-surveillance superiority are our top priorities,” he said, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The IG also revealed that the BSF Drone Warfare School at the Academy in Gwalior is now operational and training personnel in “drone design, weaponisation, anti-drone jamming, AI analytics and reconnaissance tactics.”
He said drone forensics labs at Delhi and Amritsar have been established for technical training, research and rapid analysis of recovered drone parts used in cross-border smuggling or surveillance. “We are developing offensive and defensive drone capabilities simultaneously. Our teams are trained to intercept hostile drones, jam frequencies, and even use drones in tactical operations,” Yadav added.
The IG said while drone activity continues to be observed across the LoC, there have been ‘no incursions’ into Indian territory in recent months. “Drones seen across the border are primarily reconnaissance or surveillance drones. We are monitoring every movement with upgraded night-vision and radar integration systems,” he said.
He said the BSF’s new surveillance devices, upgraded night-ops systems, and AI-assisted thermal imagers have strengthened the force’s ability to detect infiltration or aerial movement even in difficult weather and terrain.
IG Yadav further said BSF is implementing a digital transformation initiative, including advanced cyber threat response training under partnerships with NIELIT and DRDO and inducting new weapons and optical systems suited for high-altitude operations.
He added that BSF’s “Bhumi” innovation program is collaborating with Indian startups to build indigenous tools for detecting tunnels, drones and communication jammers. “We are moving towards self-reliant, smart-border management where every jawan on the LoC has access to data, sensors and AI-led surveillance,” Yadav said.
The IG also announced deployment of Mahila Praharis (women personnel) at forward defence locations and chokepoints as part of the frontier’s evolving strategy to intercept ‘female couriers linked to narco-smuggling’ and enhance community confidence among women in border villages.
“Our modernisation drive is not just about machines, it’s about mindset, professionalism and inclusion,” Yadav said, adding that the BSF remains “battle-ready and technologically forward” for the coming decade—(KNO)