BSF employs new surveillance tech to secure IB

Amid persistent incidents of cross-border smuggling and infiltration attempts, the Border Security Force (BSF) is upgrading its surveillance and response systems along the International Border with Pakistan, particularly in the Punjab and Jammu sectors. The force is integrating modern technologies and replacing outdated infrastructure to strengthen its anti-infiltration and anti-smuggling grid.

“We are replacing the old fence with a new design fence all along the Indo-Pak border which cannot be cut or scaled. We are also in the process of implementing a major technological solution on the Jammu and Punjab borders which will comprise all available anti-smuggling and anti-infiltration solutions,” SK Khandare, Additional Director General, BSF Western Command, said on Tuesday.

He said the system would incorporate tunnel-detection technology to counter attempts by infiltrators to use underground routes. “We are implementing an anti-tunnelling system in Jammu which will have AI-based night cameras so that movement during the night is observed and appropriate reaction is taken by the troops on the ground. It will also include an electro-optical targeting system which is a combination of camera and radar,” he added. Anti-tunnelling exercises are conducted regularly by the BSF in both Jammu and Punjab.

Explaining the mechanism, Khandare said radar first detects movement, after which cameras are directed to the location. Troops then assess whether the movement is hostile before acting. To reinforce the anti-infiltration grid in Jammu, two additional battalions have been deployed. Riverine gaps are also being secured through the creation of new command posts, enhanced lighting and increased troop presence.

The BSF is deploying anti-drone systems on a large scale along the border in Jammu and Punjab to curb the smuggling of drugs and weapons. “We are working in close coordination with the Punjab Police on the deployment of these systems and sharing resources and data,” Khandare said.

He noted that drone technology is evolving rapidly, necessitating corresponding advancements in counter-measures. The drones used for smuggling are typically small, inexpensive and capable of carrying payloads of around 500 grams. “These have a low audio-visual signature. Frequency-hopping drones have also come in and it becomes a difficult task to detect such gadgets,” he said.

A state-of-the-art drone forensics laboratory has been set up in Amritsar to analyse flight patterns, launch points and drop routes, helping identify hotspots and formulate counter-strategies. With drone drops often occurring well inside Indian territory, BSF teams are also being positioned in depth areas besides the zero line.

In Punjab, repairs have been completed on border fencing damaged by monsoon floods earlier this year. Khandare acknowledged the possibility that gaps created by the floods may have been exploited by smugglers.

In 2025, the BSF recovered 278 rogue drones, seized 380 kg of heroin and over 200 weapons, and apprehended 53 Pakistani nationals.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said one infiltration bid had been foiled after movement was detected through handheld thermal imagers and night-vision devices. “Strategic and tactical lessons were learnt from the operation which are being implemented,” he added.