SRINAGAR: Drones have emerged as the new “Over Ground Workers” (OGWs) for terror outfits in Jammu and Kashmir, signalling a troubling shift in tactics that has alarmed security agencies. Officials said on Wednesday that terror groups, with backing from Pakistan’s ISI, are increasingly replacing human networks with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance, logistics, and infiltration support—marking a new frontier in asymmetric warfare in the region.
Security officials noted that pressure from law enforcement has significantly reduced reliance on traditional OGWs, many of whom have been arrested or gone underground. In their place, drones are now playing a pivotal role in aiding terrorist operations from across the border.
According to officials, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has stepped up efforts to use drone technology to facilitate infiltration attempts across the Line of Control (LoC). Some terrorists hiding in the mountainous regions of Kashmir, as well as in Kishtwar and Rajouri, are reportedly using drones to monitor troop movements, contributing to the limited success of recent counter-terrorism operations.
In several instances, drones are believed to have been used to deliver dry rations to terrorists hiding in the higher reaches of Jammu region.
The trend of using drones for hostile purposes in J&K began on June 27, 2021, when two UAVs carried out strikes on buildings at the Jammu airport. This marked a turning point in the operational capabilities of terrorist groups, officials said.
Prior to this, drones were first deployed for smuggling drugs and later for dropping weapons along the International Border in Punjab. These initial operations were seen as precursors to more direct and dangerous use of UAVs in J&K.
Officials further revealed that the ISI is now using drones for real-time surveillance and terrain analysis to identify weak points in Indian security along the LoC and International Border. This intelligence is then used to assist terrorists in crossing into Indian territory while avoiding detection.
Credible intelligence suggests that in the third week of May, senior ISI officers and top leaders from banned terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed met in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The meeting reportedly focused on intensifying recruitment efforts and stressed the importance of drone-based surveillance to support future infiltration operations.
The meeting also discussed replacing experienced guides with local residents from PoJK or Pakistan to better manage infiltration routes.
Officials added that the ISI is executing a detailed strategy that includes relocating terror camps and launch pads within PoK and constructing underground bunkers, possibly in preparation for future conflict with India.
These developments are believed to be part of ISI’s response to “Operation Sindoor”, in which the Indian Air Force destroyed nine terror infrastructure sites in PoJK and Pakistan, including headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The growing use of drone technology marks a new and dangerous chapter in global terrorism. UAVs are now being used not only for surveillance but also for transporting weapons and explosives.
A report by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), a nonprofit group supporting the U.S. Army, stated: “Once Pandora’s box was open, bad actors adapted quickly and began using drones to plan and conduct attacks.”
The report highlighted that terror outfits are learning from past conflicts and evolving their methods. The Islamic State was the first known terror group to deploy drones for reconnaissance and bomb attacks during military operations in Mosul, Iraq.
Security experts warn that with rapid advances in drone technology and its growing availability, terrorist groups have found new ways to instill fear and carry out attacks—significantly complicating counter-terrorism efforts in regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
