Pakistani drones have been used to drop heroin, arms and cash along Punjab’s border with Pakistan, about 553 km long. On 9 May 2025, the Punjab cabinet approved Rs 51.41 crore for nine anti-drone systems. In August, Baaz Akh was launched in Tarn Taran as a second line of defence behind the Border Security Force (BSF). The Centre was later reported to have sanctioned 22 anti-drone systems for the Punjab border.
Timeline: from jurisdiction to the shield
- 1965institutionBorder force
The BSF was established as a Union border guarding force.
- 2021jurisdictionExpansion
The Union extended BSF jurisdiction in Punjab from 15 km to 50 km; Punjab opposed it.
- 9 May2025Approval
Punjab approved Rs 51.41 crore to buy nine anti-drone systems.
- Aug2025Launch
Baaz Akh was launched in Tarn Taran as a second line of defence.
- LaterCentreSanction
The Centre was reported to have sanctioned 22 anti-drone systems for the Punjab border.
What is Punjab’s anti-drone shield?
It is a state effort to counter drones used to carry contraband across the Pakistan border. Baaz Akh is intended as a second line of defence behind the BSF, with deployment from Pathankot to Fazilka.
Border guarding is a Union responsibility, while police and public order are State List subjects. The expansion of BSF jurisdiction in 2021 prompted Punjab to raise concerns about state policing.
The two sides
Case for a stronger shield
- Drones can carry heroin, arms and cash across the border.
- A second line of defence can complement the BSF’s border role.
- Home guards and local cooperation can support security efforts.
Concerns and implementation challenges
- Security agencies need clear coordination and responsibilities.
- Punjab has opposed the expansion of BSF jurisdiction on state-policing grounds.
- Technology must be supported by investigation and community trust.
Key data
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Border | Punjab has about 553 km of international border with Pakistan. |
| Punjab approval | Nine systems approved for Rs 51.41 crore on 9 May 2025. |
| Baaz Akh | Launched in Tarn Taran in August 2025; planned from Pathankot to Fazilka. |
| Border budget | About Rs 110 crore, including deployment of 5,000 home guards alongside the BSF. |
| Central sanction | The Centre was later reported to have sanctioned 22 systems for the Punjab border. |
| Jurisdiction | In 2021, BSF jurisdiction in Punjab was extended from 15 km to 50 km from the border. |
| Constitutional division | Police and public order are State List subjects; border security is a Union responsibility. |
Way forward
- Coordinate: Establish clear protocols among the BSF, Punjab Police and district administration.
- Investigate: Follow recoveries with lawful investigations into trafficking networks and finances.
- Engage communities: Encourage safe reporting by border residents without exposing them to retaliation.
- Respect federal roles: Resolve jurisdictional concerns through regular Centre-state dialogue.
- Review performance: Assess equipment, training and maintenance alongside outcomes.
Likely interview questions
What is Baaz Akh and what role is it intended to play?
Answer pointers:
- An anti-drone system launched in Tarn Taran in August 2025.
- Intended as a second line of defence behind the BSF.
- Explain its role alongside policing and coordination.
Do you think anti-drone technology alone can secure Punjab’s border?
Answer pointers:
- Technology strengthens the response to cross-border drones.
- Trafficking networks also require investigation and local cooperation.
- Combine equipment with trained personnel and coordinated action.
Do you think a wider BSF jurisdiction strengthens security at the cost of federalism?
Answer pointers:
- A wider jurisdiction can support border-security operations.
- Punjab has raised concerns about intrusion into state policing.
- Seek clear protocols and Centre-state consultation.
As Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Tarn Taran, how would you respond to a reported drone drop?
Answer pointers:
- Alert the police and BSF through established channels.
- Help protect residents and preserve the area for lawful investigation.
- Coordinate public communication and follow-up without disclosing sensitive details.
How would you link the drone challenge to Punjab’s drug problem?
Answer pointers:
- Drones are used to move heroin across the border.
- Interception addresses supply, but trafficking networks and drug dependence also need attention.
- Combine enforcement with treatment and community outreach.
Distinguish the state’s approval of nine systems from the Centre’s reported sanction of 22. Discuss security and federal concerns without treating them as mutually exclusive.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. Where was Baaz Akh launched in August 2025?
(a) Patiala (b) Tarn Taran (c) Ludhiana (d) Mohali
Show answer
Answer: (b) because Baaz Akh was launched in Tarn Taran.
Q2. How many anti-drone systems did the Punjab cabinet approve for purchase in May 2025?
(a) Five (b) Nine (c) Fifteen (d) Twenty-two
Show answer
Answer: (b) because the cabinet approved nine systems for Rs 51.41 crore.
Q3. Which of the following is a State List subject?
(a) Defence of India (b) Foreign affairs (c) Police (d) Citizenship
Show answer
Answer: (c) because police is a State List subject under the Constitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baaz Akh in Punjab?
Baaz Akh is an anti-drone system launched in Tarn Taran in August 2025. It is intended as a second line of defence behind the BSF.
How much did Punjab approve for anti-drone systems?
Punjab approved Rs 51.41 crore for nine systems on 9 May 2025. The state budget also provided about Rs 110 crore for border security.
Why is BSF jurisdiction debated in Punjab?
Punjab opposed the 2021 extension of BSF jurisdiction from 15 km to 50 km as an intrusion into state policing. The debate concerns both border security and the state’s policing role.
Sources: The Week, Tribune: nine systems, Tribune: border budget, Tribune: central sanction
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