The Indian Army was forced to open fire after troops detected and engaged multiple drones along the sensitive Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident, which underscores the persistent and evolving security challenges in the region, occurred in the Poonch sector.
Army Responds to Aerial Intrusion Attempt
According to official sources, the vigilant troops stationed along the de facto border spotted the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the night of January 10, 2026. The drones were observed attempting to cross into Indian territory from the direction of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Acting swiftly on the established protocols for such threats, the soldiers on ground engaged the drones with targeted gunfire.
The army's immediate response forced the drones to retreat back across the LoC. A thorough search operation was launched in the area at first light on January 11, 2026, to investigate the incident and rule out any possible dropping of weapons or contraband by the UAVs. The search operation was ongoing at the time of the initial reports.
Security Heightened in Poonch Sector
The incident took place in the Mendhar area of Poonch district, a region that has witnessed several such drone-related activities in the past. Security forces have been on high alert across the Union Territory, especially along the international border and the LoC, due to intelligence inputs about potential drone movements used for smuggling arms, narcotics, and surveillance.
This event is part of a concerning pattern where non-state actors and terrorist groups are increasingly employing cheap, commercially available drone technology to breach India's borders. The use of drones presents a complex challenge for traditional border security mechanisms.
Ongoing Vigilance and Counter-Drone Measures
The Indian Army and other security agencies have been actively bolstering their counter-drone capabilities. This includes deploying advanced electronic warfare systems, drone detection radars, and kinetic solutions to neutralize hostile UAVs. The forces are also continuously refining their standard operating procedures (SOPs) to deal with fast-emerging aerial threats.
While no casualties or damage were reported on the Indian side following this engagement, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile security situation along the frontier. It highlights the need for constant vigilance and the adoption of cutting-edge technology to safeguard the nation's borders from asymmetric threats.
The security grid in Jammu and Kashmir remains on high alert, and further details are awaited as the investigation into this latest drone sighting progresses.
