By Arab Khan
The increasing use of drones for illicit activities along the India-Pakistan border has prompted the Border Security Force (BSF) of India to adopt advanced forensic tools to mitigate the threat. One such tool, Skynet Intel, developed by Drones Tech Lab, has been officially inducted by the BSF and is now being used to carry out forensic investigations on over 200 recovered drones.
Over the past few years, the BSF has witnessed a surge in cross-border drone activity, particularly in Punjab. These drones – primarily originating from Pakistan, say Indian security sources – have been used to smuggle narcotics, weapons, ammunition, and counterfeit currency into Indian territory. In 2023 alone, the BSF intercepted 107 drones, a number that more than doubled in 2024, surpassing 200 drone recoveries. In early 2025, multiple drone interceptions have already been recorded, including the recovery of a DJI Mavic 3 Classic near Amritsar.
Given this escalating threat, the BSF has intensified its counter-drone measures by integrating cutting-edge forensic and tracking solutions. Skynet Intel has emerged as a key asset in these efforts.
Skynet Intel is a digital forensic investigation framework designed for rapid case analysis, particularly in drone-related security threats. The system provides real-time forensic imaging, data extraction, and decryption capabilities. It enables security agencies to extract and analyze UAV metadata – by recovering flight logs, GPS coordinates, and operational history of intercepted drones – decrypt communications (investigate encrypted data to trace operators and smuggling networks – perform SIM card analysis – if drones contain SIM-based communication, Skynet Intel can retrieve call and message records – and automate forensic reporting – generate intelligence reports to aid ongoing investigations and security planning.
By utilizing Skynet Intel, the BSF can reconstruct drone flight paths, identify launch points, and establish links to smuggling syndicates. Recent incidents underscore the scale of the challenge. In November 2024, he BSF, in collaboration with Punjab Police, seized 6.5 kg of heroin in two separate drone drops along the border. The narcotics were wrapped in yellow adhesive tape with illuminated markers, suggesting precision drone delivery techniques. In January 2025 BSF personnel apprehended two Indian smugglers along the Gurdaspur border with a drone-carried heroin consignment.
As adversaries continue to exploit drone technology for illicit operations, India’s BSF is expected to expand its deployment of AI-driven forensic and counter-drone systems. Skynet Intel, with its robust investigative capabilities, is poised to become a standard tool in law enforcement’s fight against drone-based threats.
