Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said India will set up a “comprehensive” anti-drone unit to protect the country from the threat posed by drones.
Addressing the 60th foundation day parade of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan as the chief guest, Shah said that the issue of drones is becoming more serious in the coming days.
He said that accepting the challenge, a laser-equipped anti-drone gun mount system has been developed through a “whole-of-government approach” involving all Border Security Forces, Ministry of Defence, DRDO and various research departments of the Government of India. He noted that 55 per cent of drone incursions along the international border with Punjab have been intercepted and neutralized using the system, which is a significant improvement from about 3 per cent earlier.
“Within a few years, a comprehensive anti-drone unit will be established to protect the country from drone threats,” he said.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Director General of BSF Daljit Singh Chaudhary and other dignitaries were present in the programme.
Shah said the Modi government has also introduced a comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) for monitoring sensitive areas of the international border, and the initial results of the pilot project in Dhubri, Assam are “very encouraging”.
After some improvements, this system will be used on the border between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Minister said that initiatives are also being taken to strengthen the fence on the border, build roads towards border India and build many other infrastructures. The Home Minister said that BSF could not meet the increasing security needs of the country, from 25 battalions at the time of establishment to 193 battalions now.
With 2.7 lakh personnel, the BSF is the largest border security force in the world, he said. In 2024, the BSF has maintained its record of fighting counterfeit currency, drugs, infiltration and left-wing extremism through various operations, he noted.
As the first defense of the nation, 1992 BSF jawans have sacrificed their lives, and 1,330 of them have received medals. These include 1 Mahaveer Chakra, 6 Kirti Chakras, 13 Veer Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras, 56 Army Medals and 1,241 Police Medals, the minister said.
Shah emphasized that the Modi government has taken several initiatives for the welfare of the security forces.
“Through Ayushman – Central Armed Police Force (Ayushman CAPF Scheme) cards have been issued to 41,21,443 personnel and their family members. Thousands of hospitals have been linked with this card to ensure healthcare for soldiers and their families,” Shah said, claiming Rs 1,600 crore. 14.83 lakh cases have been covered and settled so far.