ISLAMABAD: In a fresh escalation along the volatile Line of Control inJammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army claimed to engage suspected Pakistanidrones that crossed into Indian airspace on Sunday evening, but failed toshoot them down despite opening fire. Reports indicate at least five droneswere spotted in sectors including Nowshera, Rajouri, Poonch, and Samba,marking a concerning resumption of aerial intrusions months after majorhostilities in 2025. This incident has raised alarms over persistentcross-border activities potentially aimed at surveillance or smuggling,reviving memories of the intense drone warfare during last year’s conflict.
The intrusions occurred in quick succession starting around 6:25 pm, withone drone-like object detected moving from Tain towards Topa in the Mankotesector of Poonch district. Shortly after, in the Nowshera sector ofRajouri, troops observed a drone hovering over Gania-Kalsian village atapproximately 6:35 pm and responded with medium and light machine guns.Another sighting was reported in Khabbar village, Teryath area of Rajouri,while additional objects appeared over Chak Babral in Samba’s Ramgarhsector around 7:15 pm. All drones reportedly originated from the Pakistaniside, hovered briefly over Indian territory, and retreated without beingneutralized.
Indian security forces, including the Army, Border Security Force, andlocal police, immediately launched extensive ground search and cordonoperations in the affected areas to determine if any contraband such asweapons, ammunition, or narcotics had been dropped. This response follows arecent recovery on Friday night in Paloora village of Samba district, wherea drone-originated consignment including pistols, magazines, rounds, and agrenade was seized, underscoring the growing use of UAVs for illicitcross-border transfers. Officials emphasized that such activities supportinfiltration and terror networks, necessitating vigilant counter-measures.
The episode comes amid a backdrop of reduced but recurring drone sightingssince the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, often referred to as the “firstdrone war” between the nuclear-armed neighbors. During that period, Indiaclaimed to have downed hundreds of Pakistani drones through advanced airdefense systems, while Pakistan reported neutralizing numerous Indian UAVs.The current failures to intercept highlight challenges in engaginglow-altitude, agile drones with conventional small arms, prompting callsfor enhanced counter-drone technologies along the 778-kilometer LoC.Tensions persist despite a ceasefire understanding reached post-conflict,with both sides accusing each other of provocative actions.
These repeated intrusions not only test military readiness but alsocontribute to civilian unease in forward areas, where residents live underthe constant shadow of potential escalation. Security analysts note thatdrones offer advantages in intelligence gathering and smuggling withminimal risk to personnel, making them a preferred tool in asymmetricborder confrontations. As investigations continue, the incident underscoresthe fragile nature of peace along the disputed frontier and the need forsustained diplomatic efforts to prevent further flare-ups.
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Source:https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/ashraf-wani-reports-five-pakistani-drones-spotted-near-loc-massive-search-operation-launched-ytvd-2850322-2026-01-11
Tags: India, Pakistan, Line of Control, Drones, Jammu and Kashmir
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