Chandigarh, Dec 2 (NationPress) The Western Command of the Border Security Force (BSF) has been actively engaged in combating Pakistani drones that are used for surveillance and possible attacks. On Tuesday, they reported the recovery of 278 ‘rogue’ drones that unlawfully entered Indian airspace this year. The BSF has deployed advanced anti-drone systems to detect, jam, and neutralize these intrusions.

In addition to drone recoveries, the BSF has made significant seizures and arrests along the India-Pakistan border, aiming to thwart smuggling and illegal infiltration. This year alone, they confiscated over 380 kg of heroin and more than 200 weapons, leading to the apprehension of 53 Pakistani intruders or smugglers. The force's primary operations focus on preventing drone-based smuggling of narcotics and arms.

The BSF celebrated its diamond jubilee at its campuses in Lakhnaur (Mohali, Punjab) and Chandigarh. During the event, Additional Director General of BSF’s Western Command, Satish S. Khandare, along with Seema Praharis (Border Guards), honored the national flag and paid tribute to BSF martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation's security.

Khandare informed the media that the BSF was established on December 1, 1965, as the ‘First Line of Defence’ with just 25 battalions. Today, it comprises 193 battalions and secures a total of 6,386 km of international border with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Western Command alone patrols 2,289.66 km of the India-Pakistan border. This force has evolved into the largest border guarding unit globally, with over 2.76 lakh personnel, including Air Wing, Water Wing, and Artillery Regiments.

Based in Chandigarh, the Western Command is responsible for managing the border with Pakistan across five frontiers – Kashmir, Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat – along with three subsidiary training centers.

Despite challenging terrains and adverse weather, BSF personnel are successfully curbing cross-border crimes, including infiltration and the smuggling of narcotics and weapons.

During Operation Sindoor, the BSF was instrumental in responding to Pakistani aggression, defending border posts, destroying enemy infrastructure, and preventing infiltration attempts. Additionally, during recent floods in Punjab and Jammu, the BSF executed extensive rescue and relief operations while maintaining vigilant surveillance along the international border.

In coordination with the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the NDRF, the BSF employed speedboats and helicopters to rescue thousands of stranded villagers from flood-affected areas in Gurdaspur, Ferozpur, Fazilka, Amritsar, and Jammu.

In the Akhnoor Sector of Jammu alone, BSF helicopters rescued 45 villagers, including women and children. They also set up free medical and veterinary camps to provide relief and assistance in affected villages. To secure the border, the BSF employs a multi-layered approach utilizing a variety of indigenous technologies to counter cross-border drone threats.

The systems incorporate multiple sensors, such as radar, electro-optical or infrared cameras, and radio frequency analyzers to detect, track, and neutralize intruding Pakistani drones.