India’s Border Security Force (BSF) is significantly upgrading its border security infrastructure by establishing a new School of Drone Warfare. This initiative aims to equip personnel with the skills needed to combat evolving aerial threats, marking a critical advancement in the nation’s defense strategy. The school, inaugurated on September 2nd at the BSF Academy in Tekanpur, Gwalior, is set to train approximately 500 drone commandos and warriors annually across multiple batches.
The comprehensive training curriculum includes piloting, advanced surveillance and reconnaissance, drone jamming, neutralizing hostile aerial vehicles (UAVs), utilizing AI for tracking, and even deploying payloads on enemy targets. This move is a direct response to the growing threat posed by drones, as highlighted during Operation Sindoor, where aerial incursions became a significant concern.
The BSF’s commitment to integrating drone warfare into its core operations is further demonstrated by making drone-related subjects a mandatory part of training for all personnel, from junior jawans to senior officers. The state-of-the-art facility is backed by an initial investment of ₹20 crore and boasts advanced simulators, dedicated drone flying zones, and integrated technology for payload deployment and night operations, including RF jammers and kinetic interceptors.
Collaborating with academic institutions like IITs and industry partners, the BSF aims to foster innovation in drone technology and counter-drone strategies. The force is also establishing a police technology innovation center to address internal security challenges, working on solutions for over 48 identified problems related to drone threats across various sensitive border areas. This proactive approach underscores the BSF’s dedication to staying ahead in modern warfare tactics.