Updated: January 12, 2026

Jammu and Kashmir – Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have reported multiple sightings of suspected drones originating from across the Pakistan border, prompting immediate search operations along both the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC). Officials confirmed that these aerial objects were detected over several districts, including Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch, on Sunday evening, raising concerns about potential cross-border reconnaissance or smuggling attempts.

According to reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI), all the drones appeared to have come from the Pakistani side and returned after hovering briefly over Indian territory. While no damage or casualties were reported, security agencies have escalated surveillance and initiated ground-level search operations to assess the situation and prevent any potential threats. The incidents highlight ongoing security challenges in the region and the persistent use of unmanned aerial vehicles for cross-border activities.

A closer look at the series of events reported on Sunday indicates coordinated movements in multiple sectors along the border. In Rajouri district, army personnel stationed in the Nowshera sector observed drone movement over Gania-Kalsian village at approximately 6:35 pm. Responding swiftly, troops fired from machine guns in an attempt to neutralize the object, though reports did not confirm any successful interception.

Shortly after, another drone was sighted in Khabbar village of Teryath, also in Rajouri district, at 6:35 pm. This drone, described as having a blinking light, reportedly moved from the direction of Dharmsal village in Kalakote towards Bharakh. Security forces monitored its movement closely and initiated protocols to track and intercept the object if necessary.

Meanwhile, in Samba district, another drone-like object was observed hovering over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector around 7:15 pm. Eyewitness accounts and official statements noted that the drone lingered in the air for several minutes before returning towards Pakistani territory. This sighting prompted intensified patrolling in the surrounding areas to prevent any further incursions.

In Poonch district, along the LoC in Mankote sector, yet another drone-like object was detected moving from the direction of Tain towards Topa at 6:25 pm. Officials stressed that the repeated sightings across multiple districts indicate a coordinated effort, possibly aimed at surveillance or delivery of contraband items, a tactic increasingly observed in border areas over the past few years.

The incidents on Sunday are not isolated. On Friday night, security forces recovered an arms consignment allegedly dropped by a drone that originated from Pakistan in Paloora village of Ghagwal, near the International Border in Samba district. The recovered items included two pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds of ammunition, and a grenade. The discovery raised concerns about the use of drones for smuggling weapons into India, highlighting the evolving challenges faced by security forces in safeguarding border areas.

The repeated sightings of drones underscore a pattern of cross-border activity that Indian security agencies have been monitoring for some time. Unmanned aerial vehicles, often equipped with cameras or capable of carrying small loads, are increasingly being used by smugglers or hostile actors for intelligence gathering and illicit transport. Authorities are particularly vigilant in districts such as Rajouri, Poonch, and Samba due to their proximity to the LoC and the International Border, making them vulnerable to such incursions.

Officials have indicated that ground search operations have been launched in the areas where the drones were observed. These operations include deploying personnel along likely landing or drop zones, using night-vision equipment to detect drones attempting to hover near sensitive locations, and coordinating with local police to monitor unusual activity. Additionally, electronic surveillance systems are being used to detect and track drones in real time, an approach increasingly relied upon to prevent smuggling and reconnaissance attempts.

While security forces have remained tight-lipped about the full operational details for strategic reasons, officials emphasized that all measures are being taken to ensure that border areas remain secure and any threats are neutralized. Intelligence units are also analyzing the patterns of drone flights to determine whether these are random intrusions or part of a larger coordinated effort by hostile actors.

Experts note that drones have become a significant concern along the India-Pakistan border due to their versatility and low cost. Unlike conventional aircraft, drones can operate at low altitudes and evade traditional radar detection, allowing smugglers or militants to conduct surveillance or transport contraband with relative impunity. In response, Indian security agencies have increasingly invested in counter-drone technologies, including signal jammers, radar detection systems, and rapid response teams, to prevent the drones from breaching sensitive areas.

The recovery of the arms consignment on Friday night is particularly noteworthy, as it underscores the potential for drones to be used for transporting lethal weapons into Indian territory. Security analysts point out that such incidents, if left unchecked, could escalate into serious threats to local communities or military installations. The incident has therefore prompted authorities to step up border security measures, including frequent patrolling, drone detection, and intelligence gathering in vulnerable sectors.

The use of drones for cross-border activity also has wider strategic implications. While India maintains a strong conventional military presence along its borders, unmanned aerial technology allows adversaries to test defenses, monitor troop movements, and conduct covert operations without risking personnel. The repeated sightings over Rajouri, Samba, and Poonch signal the need for continuous vigilance, technological upgrades, and enhanced coordination among the army, paramilitary forces, and local law enforcement.

In conclusion, the sightings of suspected Pakistani drones over Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday evening, along with the recovery of an arms consignment in Samba district, highlight the evolving nature of security threats along India’s borders. Authorities have launched extensive search operations and are employing both technological and ground-level measures to prevent further incursions. These developments underline the growing challenges posed by unmanned aerial vehicles in border management, necessitating constant vigilance, advanced counter-drone strategies, and rapid response capabilities.

As the situation develops, security agencies remain on high alert, monitoring drone activity closely and taking proactive steps to safeguard critical areas. The repeated drone sightings serve as a reminder of the complex security environment in Jammu and Kashmir and the need for sustained attention to both conventional and unconventional threats along India’s frontiers.