Pakistani Drones Spotted Along IB and LoC in Jammu and Kashmir

Suspected Pakistani drones in J&K hovered briefly over Indian territory on Sunday evening. Security forces launched immediate ground searches across Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch districts. This activity raises concerns about cross-border surveillance and potential arms drops.

Dateline: Jammu & Kashmir, India | 12 January 2026

What Happened

Indian forces detected multiple suspected drones from Pakistan flying over forward sectors. They hovered for a few minutes before returning across the border. Security teams immediately initiated ground searches.

Troops in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri fired at a drone near Gania-Kalsian village at 6:35 pm. Another drone appeared at Khabbar village, moving from Dharmsal in Kalakote toward Bharakh.

In Samba, a drone hovered over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector around 7:15 pm. In Poonch, another object moved from Tain toward Topa in the Mankote sector at 6:25 pm.

This repeated drone activity suggests potential reconnaissance or preliminary attempts at arms drops.

Where It Happened

The drones were reported in:

• Samba district: Ramgarh and Chak Babral sectors
• Rajouri district: Nowshera sector, Gania-Kalsian, and Khabbar villages
• Poonch district: Mankote sector, between Tain and Topa

These zones lie along the International Border and Line of Control, making them sensitive and strategically important.

Official Confirmation

Officials confirmed that all observed drones came from Pakistan. They said ground teams and local security units conducted searches after the sightings.

“Security forces remain on high alert. We are closely monitoring drone activity and conducting searches in forward sectors,” said an army spokesperson.

On Friday night, security forces recovered a drone-delivered arms consignment in Paloora village, Ghagwal, near the IB in Samba. The haul included two pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds, and a grenade.

Expert Insights and Tactical Breakdown

Defense analysts noted that the drone activity likely serves intelligence-gathering purposes. The short hover over multiple areas indicates reconnaissance rather than immediate attacks. However, prior drone-based arms drops show the potential for hostile actions.

Experts highlighted that the army’s quick response, including machine-gun fire and ground searches, demonstrates operational readiness. The drone routes across Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch seem deliberate. Analysts suggest they test vulnerabilities in lightly monitored sectors.

They recommend using enhanced aerial surveillance, advanced detection systems, and coordinated ground patrols to prevent both reconnaissance and smuggling attempts.

Why It Matters

The drone sightings demonstrate a new cross-border threat in Jammu & Kashmir. Drones can be used for:

1. Reconnaissance: Observing troop movements and border positions
2. Arms drops: Delivering weapons to militants
3. Psychological impact: Creating fear among civilians

The activity forces Indian security forces to divert resources to surveillance and border patrolling. It also increases tension in forward villages.

What Happens Next

Authorities are expected to:

• Intensify ground and aerial searches
• Increase patrols in border villages
• Deploy air defense measures to detect low-flying UAVs
• Investigate recent drone arms drops

Security forces also plan to coordinate with intelligence agencies. They aim to reduce infiltration risks while protecting civilian areas.

Conclusion

The repeated sightings of Pakistani drones in J&K highlight evolving border security threats. Drones hovered briefly but demonstrated potential for reconnaissance and smuggling.

The army’s prompt response and ongoing searches show strong operational readiness. Authorities continue monitoring Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch to ensure security.

The incidents underscore the strategic importance of the IB and LoC, where technology-driven threats like drones require constant vigilance and updated defensive measures.