Punjab Strikes Back: Anti-Drone Systems to Seal Borders, Stop Terror Funding

In a decisive move to protect its borders and its people, the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has approved the installation of anti-drone systems along the India–Pakistan border, aiming to choke off the lifeline of terrorism and drug smuggling flowing through the skies.

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਕੈਬਨਿਟ ਦੀ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ‘ਚ ਅਹਿਮ ਫੈਸਲਾ ਲਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਅਸੀਂ ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ਸਰਹੱਦਾਂ ਦੀ ਰਾਖੀ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਐਂਟੀ ਡਰੋਨ ਸਿਸਟਮ ਖਰੀਦਣ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਾਂ। ਸਾਰੇ ਸਰਹੱਦੀ ਏਰੀਏ ਨੂੰ ਐਂਟੀ ਡਰੋਨ ਸਿਸਟਮ ਨਾਲ ਲੈਸ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਲਈ ਅਸੀਂ ਬਚਨਬੱਧ ਹਾਂ।
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पंजाब कैबिनेट की बैठक में अहम फैसला लिया गया है कि… pic.twitter.com/KgmXy70DEy

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 9, 2025

The decision, taken on May 9, 2025, during a Cabinet meeting in Chandigarh, underscores Punjab’s urgent need to respond to the growing threat of drones being used to ferry weapons, narcotics, and cash from across the border — all with the goal of destabilizing India.

“We will give a befitting reply”

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, speaking about the Cabinet’s resolution, didn’t mince words.

“We stand strong with our security forces and will give a befitting reply to Pakistan’s agenda against India,” he said.
“This is not just about drones — it’s about cutting the flow of illegal drug money that funds terrorism and destroys our youth.”

The government has earmarked ₹51.41 crore for the project, which will see nine anti-drone systems installed along Punjab’s 532-kilometer international border with Pakistan. These advanced systems will detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones, ensuring they cannot infiltrate Indian airspace with harmful payloads.

Why this moves matters

Punjab has long found itself at the frontline of cross-border threats, especially given its close proximity to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where the drug trade thrives.
In recent years, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) — better known as drones — has changed the game. Once limited to ground routes, smugglers and terrorist handlers now drop arms and narcotics from the sky, often under the cover of night.

Despite border fencing and increased patrolling, drones have been hard to detect — until now. The Anti-Drone Systems (ADS) will significantly enhance Punjab’s ability to detect and dismantle these new-age threats, preventing the entry of heroin, RDX, weapons, and other contraband that has previously slipped through.

Not just about border security

These systems won’t just be used at the border. Given the rising threats to high-profile figures and sensitive areas, the anti-drone technology will also be employed to secure VIP movement and prevent any attempt at disrupting law and order within the state.

The decision also reflects a broader, strategic shift in how Punjab is viewing its internal security. It’s no longer just about policing on the ground — it’s about adapting to technological warfare and staying a step ahead of those who exploit it.

A bold and necessary step

In recent times, the Mann government has been vocal about the Centre’s alleged inaction and political bias, especially in Punjab’s ongoing disputes over water sharing and border security. But this move marks a strong, independent step — one where Punjab is taking matters into its own hands to protect its people, resources, and future.

In the words of CM Mann:

“If Punjab can protect the country’s borders, it can surely protect its skies.”

With these anti-drone systems soon to be deployed, Punjab is not just defending territory — it’s defending its dignity, its youth, and its sovereign right to peace