Sources said the Army was verifying reports on the deployment of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) close to the border with India. These drones were recently acquired by Bangladesh.
Development comes amid increase in terrorist activity along border
Bangladesh deploys Bayraktar TB2 drones near West Bengal
India ups vigilance, may opt for counter-drone operations
India has intensified surveillance along the Bangladesh border amid reports that the neighbouring country has deployed Turkey-made drones near West Bengal, sources told India Today. The development comes against the backdrop of intelligence inputs indicating an increase in terrorist activity along the border areas after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government.
Sources said the Army was verifying reports on the deployment of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) close to the border with India. These drones are operated by Bangladesh’s 67th Army for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. While Bangladesh claimed the deployment is for defence purposes, the strategic significance of positioning such advanced drones in a sensitive region has not been overlooked by India.
Intel inputs have suggested that extremist elements, suppressed during Hasina’s tenure, were regaining a foothold in regions close to the Indian border. The inputs mentioned that terror groups and smuggling networks were exploiting the political instability in Bangladesh to infiltrate into India.
After Hasina’s ouster, the border areas have seen a surge in anti-India elements. The combination of political instability and advanced UAV deployments near Indian borders requires heightened vigilance,” a senior intelligence officer told India Today.
BAYRAKTAR DRONES AND STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS
The Bayraktar TB2 drones, acquired by Bangladesh earlier this year, have enhanced its ability to conduct surveillance and light strike operations. According to Defence Technology of Bangladesh (DTB), 6 of the 12 drones ordered have been operationalised.
INDIA’S RESPONSE
The armed forces are already on high alert amid the unrest in Bangladesh and are closely assessing the fresh drone deployments. The Armed Forces have the option to deploy drones like the Heron TP, and intensify counter-drone operations in sensitive regions.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and will take countermeasures as necessary to ensure the safety and security of our borders,” a senior defence official said. India is also leveraging intelligence-sharing mechanisms and cooperation with international partners to track the situation in Bangladesh.
