The Indian defence establishment reported a staggering 791 incidents of drone intrusions along the country's western frontier in the year 2025, highlighting a persistent and evolving threat from unmanned aerial systems used for smuggling and infiltration. The data was disclosed in the Defence Ministry's year-end review presented on Wednesday.
Breakdown of Intrusions and Counter-Measures
According to the detailed review, the vast majority of these incursions, 782 to be precise, were recorded along the International Border (IB) sectors in Punjab and Rajasthan. A further nine drone incidents were logged along the IB in Jammu and Kashmir. In response to this escalating threat, the ministry highlighted the effective deployment of indigenous spoofers and jammers along the western front, which played a significant role in countering the drone menace.
Indian security forces demonstrated considerable success in intercepting these hostile drones. Throughout the year, they managed to neutralise 237 drones in the IB sector. An analysis of the intercepted payloads revealed a concerning pattern: five drones were carrying war-like stores, 72 were laden with narcotics, and 161 were found without any payload, potentially used for reconnaissance.
Pakistan's Persistent Proxy War Strategy
The ministry's review pointed a direct finger at Pakistan, accusing it of extensively exploiting the IB sector for hostile activities. It stated that significant efforts are being made by the neighbouring country not only to smuggle weapons and narcotics using drones but also to infiltrate large numbers of terrorists. The document cited the continued operation of training camps, the presence of terrorists at launch pads, and repeated infiltration bids as evidence of Pakistan's persistent intent to prosecute a proxy war strategy against India.
In a specific reference, the review noted that Pakistan had attempted to turn the Poonch-Rajouri region into a hotbed for proxy war during 2023-24. Looking ahead, the ministry's priorities for 2025 include strengthening the anti-infiltration grid, continuing counter-terrorist operations in the middle and higher reaches, and curbing local recruitment by fostering a development-oriented environment.
Improved Security and Aatmanirbharta in Defence
On the overall security situation, the ministry asserted that the environment in Jammu and Kashmir remains firmly under control due to the sustained efforts of the Indian Army. It credited a 'whole-of-nation' approach for a marked reduction in violence levels, scaled-down protests, and zero incidents of stone-pelting. The security situation in the hinterland has shown consistent improvement since 2019, the review added.
The document also referenced Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 7 in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. The operation led to the elimination of at least 100 terrorists and involved precision missile strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, triggering a four-day military confrontation. Hostilities ceased on May 10 following hotline discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations of both nations.
Showcasing progress in self-reliance, the ministry revealed that 515 Army Base Workshop and select Corps Z Workshops/EME Battalions have established a credible in-house drone manufacturing capability. These state-of-the-art facilities, built using internal expertise and collaboration with experts, have produced 819 drones to date, including 193 for surveillance, 337 kamikaze/armed variants, and 289 first-person view drones. Furthermore, the ministry reported that 29 capability development schemes have been contracted, with another 16 likely to be finalised in December 2025.
