Jalandhar: The Indian Army has deployed the country’s first ‘Baaz’ Drone Battalion at Jalandhar Cantonment under the 11th Vajra Corps. This is the first specialised drone unit to be deployed in Punjab, a strategically important border state.
The drone unit will strengthen surveillance along Punjab’s more than 500-km international border with Pakistan. It is also equipped to support logistics and respond to aerial threats when required.
The Army shared information about the deployment through a post on X, along with photographs of the new battalion.
According to the information shared, the unit includes indigenously developed Indian drones, along with advanced drone systems such as Heron and Hermes, based on American and Israeli technology.
The unit has a team of technical military specialists capable of handling real-time high-density data processing, software updates and modern drone-warfare operations.
Jalandhar: A Strategic Central Point
Jalandhar is considered a strategically important location for the battalion, with balanced connectivity to key border areas including Firozpur, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.
The presence of Adampur Air Force Station and other military airfields in the region also provides important supporting infrastructure for advanced drone operations and maintenance.
Surveillance Against Drone Infiltration
The use of small drones for smuggling drugs and weapons across Punjab’s international border has emerged as a growing security challenge.
The deployment of the Baaz battalion is expected to strengthen technological surveillance and help monitor cross-border activities more effectively.
Lessons From Operation Sindoor
During Operation Sindoor, drone-related threats were reported in Jalandhar and several other parts of Punjab. The incidents highlighted the growing importance of drone and counter-drone capabilities in modern warfare.
The experience of Operation Sindoor, along with lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war, has further underlined the need for specialised drone capabilities.
With the Vajra Corps headquarters located in Jalandhar, the deployment of the Baaz battalion will also facilitate coordination with the Army’s command and leadership structure.
The establishment of India’s first Baaz Drone Battalion marks another significant step towards strengthening the country’s border surveillance and preparing the Indian Army for the evolving challenges of modern warfare.
