Drone warfare escalates in South Asia: India, Pakistan and China engage in high-tech rivalry

The skies above the borders of India, Pakistan, and China have increasingly become a stage for high-tech conflicts, with drones playing a crucial role in surveillance and military operations. The use of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), many enhanced with artificial intelligence, has surged, raising security concerns in the region.

Data from India’s Border Security Force (BSF) indicates a sharp rise in drone activity along the India-Pakistan border, with sightings increasing from 77 in 2020 to 311 in 2022—amounting to 492 incidents over three years. By 2023, security forces had intercepted and taken down 119 drones, a staggering fivefold increase compared to the previous year. Punjab, due to its extensive border with Pakistan, has been particularly affected, recording 369 incidents.
Mutual accusations of espionage through surveillance drones have further strained relations between India and Pakistan. India alleges that Pakistan is deploying drones manufactured by China, its regional competitor. Meanwhile, Chinese UAVs have been spotted over buffer zones in eastern Ladakh, where they are reportedly monitoring Indian military movements within Indian-claimed territory.

Escalating Tensions and Security Risks
The growing reliance on drones for reconnaissance and potential combat applications has heightened fears of unintended conflicts, territorial violations, and rising geopolitical tensions in South Asia. Analysts warn that unregulated drone incursions could inadvertently trigger military confrontations.
China currently enjoys a technological advantage in drone warfare. As the world's second-largest military power after the United States, Beijing has invested heavily in UAV innovation. "China is not only producing drones but has built an entire ecosystem around them, including AI-driven coordination, sensors, and software," said Dr. Tallha Abdulrazaq, a London-based security and defense expert.
Advanced Chinese drones now feature autonomous flight capabilities, precision targeting, and the ability to operate in coordinated swarms with minimal human intervention. Reports indicate that China has been testing AI-powered drone swarms near Ladakh while also supplying Pakistan with sophisticated UAVs, bolstering Islamabad's cross-border defense capabilities.

Pakistan’s Strategic Dependence on Chinese Drones
Experts suggest that Pakistan increasingly relies on Chinese UAV technology, given their aligned regional interests. “Pakistan primarily sources drones from China because their strategic objectives in the region are closely linked,” explained Tilak Jha, a South Asia expert and professor at India’s Bennett University. Beyond military use, drones have also been implicated in smuggling operations, transporting narcotics and weapons across borders without human involvement.

India’s Efforts to Counter the Drone Challenge
Recognizing the growing drone threat from both China and Pakistan, India has intensified efforts to enhance its UAV capabilities. The country is investing in indigenous drone production while also procuring advanced UAVs from international manufacturers. “Until 2021, India lacked a comprehensive drone policy,” Jha noted. “However, the government has since banned drone imports from China and is prioritizing domestic manufacturing.”
Among India’s notable advancements is Indrajaal, an AI-driven anti-drone system designed to intercept and neutralize enemy UAVs before they can cause damage. Despite these developments, military experts believe India is still several years behind China in drone production and AI integration. “India lags China by three to five years in UAV technology and by nearly three decades in overall military preparedness,” remarked Lt. Col. (Retd) J.S. Sodhi, a defense analyst.

A Growing Drone Battlefield
As drone technology evolves, its role in military strategy across South Asia continues to expand. With China leading in UAV development, Pakistan leveraging Chinese support, and India rapidly strengthening its defenses, drone warfare is set to become an even more critical factor in regional security dynamics.