Srinagar, January 30:
In a significant escalation of cross-border aerial provocation, alert Indian Army troops successfully intercepted and repelled a coordinated “swarm” of 15 Pakistani drones attempting to violate Indian airspace in the Keran sector on Friday.
The incident, occurring in the rugged Jodha Makan–Birandori area along the Line of Control (LoC), marks one of the largest single-day drone incursions detected in recent years.
The Mid-Air Standoff: How it Unfolded
The intrusion was detected by the vigilant personnel of the 6th Rashtriya Rifles (RR). Sources indicate that the drones appeared as a coordinated group, attempting to penetrate deep into the Indian side of the LoC.
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Swift Engagement: Upon visual and technical confirmation, the 6th RR opened targeted fire on the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
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Tactical Retreat: Faced with intense ground fire and effective counter-measures, the entire swarm was forced to bank and retreat back into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
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Current Status: While no casualties or physical damage were reported, a massive search operation is underway to ensure no payloads (weapons or narcotics) were dropped during the brief intrusion.
A Pattern of “Low-Cost” Provocation
This “Friday Swarm” is not an isolated event but the climax of a fortnight-long surge in drone activity across Jammu & Kashmir:
Jan 13: Rajouri (Manjakote), Multiple drones repelled by Indian fire. Jan 15: Jammu IB, Two UAVs detected; counter-UAS measures activated. and Jan 30: Kupwara (Keran), 15 drones forced back by 6th Rashtriya Rifles.
“Lagaam Lagaiye”: The Military Message
The spike in activity comes just two weeks after Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi issued a stern warning to his Pakistani counterpart. During recent DGMO-level talks, India used the blunt Hindi phrase “Lagaam Lagaiye” (Rein them in), making it clear that the use of “defensive” drones to scout for gaps in the Indian defense perimeter is unacceptable.
“These are likely defensive drones checking for gaps or laxity to facilitate terrorist infiltration,” General Dwivedi had noted earlier this month, emphasizing that the Indian Army is prepared with its own fleet of 5,000 command-level drones to counter any misadventure.
Security Status: High Alert
While the Ministry of Defence is yet to release a formal statement, the J&K border remains on high alert. Surveillance has been intensified with extra boots on the ground and advanced signal-jamming technology deployed across the Keran and Rajouri sectors.
