China-Made Drones Used by Pakistan for Terror—India’s New Radar System to Neutralize Threats

New Delhi, India - Amid Pakistan's intensified use of drones for smuggling weapons and drugs into India, the Indian Army is stepping up its countermeasures with cutting-edge radars and drone-kill systems. The Army’s Air Defence wing is in the process of acquiring Low-Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR) capable of detecting even small drones like the DJI Mavic, which have become a tool of choice for Pakistan-backed terror groups.

Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence (AAD), confirmed that the Army is actively working on strengthening its anti-drone capabilities to prevent Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism from infiltrating Indian borders.

"The first thing is to detect the smallest drones like the DJI Mavic. We are acquiring surveillance systems, including the Low-Level Lightweight Radar (LLLR) to counter these threats," Lt Gen D’Cunha stated.

Pakistan’s Dangerous Game: Drones Used for Terror Operations

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in collaboration with its terror proxies like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), has been using Chinese-made drones to smuggle AK-47s, grenades, RDX, and narcotics into India, particularly in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. Security forces have intercepted numerous drone deliveries, confirming a well-coordinated effort to destabilize India with cross-border terrorism.

These drones, often modified for longer range and heavier payloads, pose a significant security challenge. Even commercially available UAVs like the DJI Mavic have been repurposed for espionage and weaponized missions. In response, the Indian Army has already deployed LR radars under emergency procurement, which can detect Mavic drones—whether carrying grenades or not.

"We bought LR radars capable of detecting Mavic drones without grenades, and they can definitely pick them up when armed," D’Cunha added.

To counter this growing menace, the Army is also increasing radar density in mountainous and valley regions, which have become preferred drone routes for smugglers and terror operatives.

India's Answer to Drone Terror: Kill Systems & Rocket Launchers

Beyond detection, the Army is gearing up to eliminate drones mid-air with drone-kill systems and high-powered countermeasures.

"We are looking at a Drone Kill System—either drone-on-drone combat or rocket-on-drone interception. We are also acquiring a truck-mounted counter-drone system with 64 rockets to bring down enemy UAVs," D’Cunha revealed.

This marks a paradigm shift in India’s counter-drone strategy, moving from passive detection to active engagement. By deploying autonomous drone interceptors and rapid-fire rocket launchers, India is ensuring that Pakistan’s drone threats are neutralized in real time.

Replacing Outdated Air Defence Guns with Modern Systems

The modernization push doesn’t stop at drones. The Army is phasing out vintage air defence guns like the L-70 and ZU-23mm and replacing them with 220 state-of-the-art air defence guns. The tender for these guns is already out, with trials scheduled for July 2025.

Additionally, the Army is actively working on:

• Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADs): DRDO is testing new variants, but emergency procurements are being considered.
• Guns with fragmentation ammunition & missiles with an 8-10 km range.
• Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM): The Game Changer

Among the most anticipated upgrades is DRDO’s Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), a 30 km-range interceptor system that will add a decisive edge to India’s air defence network.

"This is an extremely promising DRDO project, and we expect to procure it in large numbers for both wheeled and tracked platforms. The contract is likely to be finalized within 4-5 months," D’Cunha said.

India Stands Guard Against Pakistan’s Drone War

Pakistan’s desperation to infiltrate Indian territory using drones is evident. With its terror infrastructure under pressure and border infiltration getting tougher, ISI-backed operatives have turned to UAVs as their new weapon of choice. However, the Indian Army remains several steps ahead, rapidly upgrading its capabilities to ensure that every drone sent from across the border is intercepted and neutralized.

With advanced radars, drone-kill systems, and next-generation missile defences, India is making it clear: Pakistan’s drone war will fail, just like its previous terror tactics.