Fear of Operation Sindoor 2.0? Pakistan Rushes Anti-Drone Systems to LoC

Pakistan has significantly strengthened its counter-drone posture along the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir amid growing fears within its military of a renewed Indian operation similar to Operation Sindoor, intelligence sources have indicated.

According to inputs, Pakistan has installed fresh counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) opposite the Rawalakot, Kotli and Bhimber sectors. More than 30 dedicated anti-drone units have reportedly been deployed in forward areas under the 12th Infantry Division, headquartered in Murree, and the 23rd Infantry Division, which oversees the Kotli–Bhimber axis.

Sector-wise, the counter-drone assets in Rawalakot are being operated by the 2nd Azad Kashmir Brigade, covering areas opposite the Indian Poonch sector. The 3rd Azad Kashmir Brigade has been tasked with Kotli, which faces Indian positions in Rajouri, Poonch, Naushera and Sunderbani, while the Bhimber sector falls under the 7th Azad Kashmir Brigade.

Pakistan has inducted a mix of electronic and kinetic C-UAS platforms. These include the Spider counter-UAS system, which relies on passive radio-frequency detection to track drones and loitering munitions at distances of up to 10 kilometres. Also deployed is the Safrah anti-UAV jamming gun, a man-portable system designed to disrupt drone command, video and GPS links at shorter ranges.

In addition to soft-kill systems, traditional air defence weapons have been positioned to counter low-flying aerial threats. These include Oerlikon GDF 35 mm twin-barrel anti-aircraft guns supported by radar guidance, as well as Anza Mk-II and Mk-III MANPADS.

Sources said the deployments reflect Pakistan’s unease over India’s increasingly assertive military posture along the western frontier, marked by integrated combat drills involving the Army, Navy and Air Force. Pakistan is also reported to be in discussions with Turkey and China for the acquisition of additional drones and air defence systems to address gaps exposed during Operation Sindoor.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted terror infrastructure and key military facilities deep inside Pakistan. Hostilities ended on May 10 after Pakistan sought a ceasefire.