SOURCE: AFI
Meghalaya’s Director General of Police, Idashisha Nongrang, has reported the detection of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near the towns of Sohra and Shella in the East Khasi Hills district, close to the India-Bangladesh border. This development has raised significant security concerns, especially given the current political turbulence in Bangladesh.
The UAV in question, identified by the transponder code TB2R1071, was reportedly launched from the Tejgaon Airbase in Bangladesh. The Bayraktar TB2, crafted by the Turkish company Baykar, is renowned for its dual-use capabilities, offering both surveillance and precision strike options. These drones have an operational range of 300 km and can fly for up to 27 hours, making them a formidable asset for reconnaissance and potential combat missions.
In response to these sightings, the Meghalaya Police have communicated the issue to the Border Security Force (BSF), which is likely to deploy counter-drone measures. Sources indicate that the BSF might move its SA-16 Gimlet and SA-7 Grail MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) to the area. These systems are effective for engaging low-flying threats like UAVs, offering a significant deterrent against unauthorized aerial incursions.
The presence of these sophisticated drones near the border underscores a growing trend where countries leverage UAV technology not only for military purposes but also for asserting presence or gathering intelligence. The Bayraktar TB2’s capabilities could be seen as an attempt by Bangladesh to display its military prowess or to conduct surveillance, possibly in light of internal political dynamics or to monitor border activities.
The situation has prompted a heightened state of alertness among Indian security forces along this stretch of the border. Enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing, and readiness to deploy countermeasures are part of the immediate response strategy. The Indian Air Force has also been notified, reflecting the seriousness with which this matter is being treated at various levels of India’s defense architecture.