Article
Tech and Terror: Pakistan’s Use of Drones in Cross-border Terrorism

By : J. Jeganaathan

Page No: 281-303

Abstract
The proliferation of drone technology by Pakistan has altered the cross-border terrorism landscape in India, with the increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for logistical support and direct attacks on military assets. This article examines the evolving use of drones by Pakistan, focusing on arms and narcotics smuggling, as well as surveillance. The use of arms, drugs and drones highlights a sophisticated nexus among criminal syndicates and terrorist organisations operating with the support of the Pakistani military establishment. This article explores how commercially available drones — primarily of Chinese origin — are being modified for payload delivery and intensified security application against Indian border troops. While the direct use of drones in terrorist attacks remains limited in the region as compared to their use in the Middle East, their strategic value in sustaining Pakistan’s “proxy war” against India can’t be denied. This study also discusses the broader implications of this technological shift and the need for India to come up with effective counter measures.

Author
Dr J. Jeganaathan is an Associate Professor at the Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He has also worked as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of National Security Studies at Central University of Jammu from 2013-2023.
 

DOI: http://doi.org/10.32381/NS.2026.09.02.8