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1,200+ Pakistani Drone Incursions in Punjab Since 2024: BSF Deploys 'Baaz Akh' Anti-Drone System

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
11 Sept 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:1,200 drone interceptions since 2024294 interceptions in 2024287 interceptions in 2025₹51.4 crore (Baaz Akh system)462 km border fence length150 yards distance of fence from Zero Line (some stretches 2-3 km)
Bodies:BSFPunjab PoliceVillage Defence CommitteesPunjab Government
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Over 1,200 Pakistani drones intercepted since 2024; 294 in 2024, 287 in 2025, similar in 2026 till August.

2.Drones evolved from radio-controlled to satellite-linked with anti-jamming capabilities; launch pads identified at Jahman, Masteki, Kasur, etc.

3.Punjab's ₹51.4 crore 'Baaz Akh' (Hawk Eye) anti-drone system, first state-level grid, faces challenge as drones detect jamming and automatically return to Pakistan.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

Over 1,200 Pakistani drones have been intercepted in Punjab since 2024, carrying drugs and weapons. Drones now use satellite communication and anti-jamming tech, while India's first state-level anti-drone system 'Baaz Akh' struggles against 'return-to-home' mechanisms. This is a key internal security, science & tech, and drug menace issue for all exams.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Total drone interceptions (2024-2026)Over 1,200
Interceptions in 2024294
Interceptions in 2025287
Primary launch pads (Pak Punjab)Jahman, Masteki, Kasur, Qila Jiwan Singh, Wagah, Narowal
Indian drop zonesBhindi Saidan, Attari, Rajatal, Dall, Daleri, Maari Meghaan, Wan, Khemkaran villages
Anti-drone system'Baaz Akh' (Hawk Eye) – cost ₹51.4 crore, launched Aug 2025 by Punjab CM
Key drone modelsDJI Mavic 4 Pro, DJI Matrice 300 RTK (Chinese make)
Village defence committeesFormed by Punjab government to assist BSF/police

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Total drone interceptions (2024-2026): Over 1,200
  • ›Interceptions in 2024: 294
  • ›Target this Data: Over 1,200 drone interceptions in Punjab since 2024; 294 in 2024, 287 in 2025, ~same till Aug 2026.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: BSF (Border Security Force) and Punjab Police; Village Defence Committees under Punjab Government.
  • ›Target this Legal/Scheme: 'Baaz Akh' (Hawk Eye) Anti-Drone System – state-level; cost ₹51.4 crore; launched Aug 2025.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which ministry is primarily responsible for the Border Security Force (BSF) mentioned in the article on drone smuggling in Punjab?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding drone incursions in Punjab:

1. Since 2024, over 1,200 Pakistani drones have been intercepted by Indian security agencies.

2. The drones initially used simple radio-frequency control but now employ satellite communication and anti-jamming features.

3. The 'Baaz Akh' anti-drone system was launched by the central government in 2025.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, what was the total number of Pakistani drones intercepted by the BSF and allied agencies in the year 2024 in Punjab?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the 'Baaz Akh' anti-drone system deployed by the Punjab government?

All 15 MCQs ▸
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