Pakistan’s military has successfully neutralized 29 drones over recent months amid growing cross-border tensions and an increase in drone activity along its eastern and western frontiers, according to an army spokesperson’s announcement on Saturday.
At a press briefing held in Rawalpindi, Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry disclosed that drones allegedly being used for surveillance and possible cross-border infiltration were intercepted by air defense and electronic warfare units within Pakistan Army.
“During the past several weeks, we have successfully tracked and neutralised 29 hostile drones belonging to both state actors and non-state actors,” General Chaudhry reported. These included aerial systems used for reconnaissance, smuggling and attempted sabotage of sensitive military infrastructure.
Pakistan and India have recently seen tension escalate, with both nations accusing each other of incursions by drones. Although ISPR did not directly attribute any drone activity to India, General Mujahid noted that most threats detected along Pakistan’s eastern border–an indirect reference to Indian-administered territories–were related to drone threats detected there.
“Pakistan will defend its airspace and sovereignty at all costs, so you have my word that our surveillance systems are fully functional and our forces on high alert,” he stated.
The army also shared images of drone debris recovered in various locations, such as border areas in Punjab and Balochistan provinces. Some drones had surveillance equipment installed as well as contraband or were suspected of carrying explosives, according to military.
Security experts warn that drone use in conflict zones has created new security challenges for military defense and border protection. Islamabad-based defense analyst Dr. Mahira Khan observed: “The line between surveillance and aggression is becoming more blurred, making drones attractive tools for both espionage and provocation.
India has not issued an official response to Pakistan’s latest claims; however, Indian defense officials have previously accused groups based in Pakistan of using drones to transport weapons and explosives into Jammu and Kashmir from their own territory.
Pakistani military spokesperson demanded international regulations and accountability regarding drone warfare, with regards to drone technology being misused irresponsibly in regional conflicts. While Pakistan will defend itself, its goal should always be peace through dialogue and restraint.
As tensions in the region were already on edge, revelations regarding drone threats have further complicated bilateral relationships. Now both militaries appear locked in an escalating aerial standoff.