Bangladesh has deployed Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones along its border with India, raising concerns over the increasing drone challenge in the region. The deployment of these advanced drones, which played a decisive role in Azerbaijan’s victory over Armenia during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, signals a shift in military dynamics in South Asia.
The Bayraktar TB2 is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone capable of performing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and attack missions. With a payload capacity of 150 kg and equipped with laser-guided missiles, these drones can strike targets with precision while flying at speeds of up to 230 km/h. Their operational range of 300 kilometers and ability to evade detection by conventional radars make them formidable tools in modern warfare.
During the Nagorno-Karabakh war, Bayraktar TB2 drones demonstrated their effectiveness by neutralizing advanced weaponry, including tanks and artillery, causing heavy losses to Armenian forces. These drones also have a psychological impact, emitting an unsettling sound during operations.
Bangladesh has stated that the drones are intended for defensive purposes, focusing on intelligence and surveillance. However, their deployment in such a sensitive region has strategic implications for India, especially given the Indo-Bangladesh border’s challenging terrain of mountains, forests, and rivers. The Border Security Force (BSF) has increased its surveillance to address this potential threat.
Bangladesh joins Pakistan, which also operates Bayraktar TB2 drones, in acquiring advanced unmanned aerial systems. Pakistan’s deployment of these drones and participation in extensive training programs in Turkey underscores the growing reliance on drone technology in the subcontinent.
India is ramping up its drone capabilities and anti-drone systems to address this evolving threat. The Indian armed forces have recently acquired advanced drones such as the Predator UAVs from the United States and Heron Mark-II UAVs from Israel. Additionally, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing the Tapas BH-201 drone, although it has yet to achieve full operational certification.
In terms of counter-drone measures, India has inducted the indigenous Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS), which uses laser technology to detect and neutralize drones at ranges of 7-8 kilometers. The Indian Army has also demonstrated swarm drone capabilities, showcasing its ability to adapt to the changing landscape of modern warfare.
Lt. Gen VK Saxena, writing on the role of drones, emphasizes that robust counter-drone systems can mitigate the threat posed by advanced unmanned systems like the Bayraktar TB2. While the deployment of these drones by Bangladesh highlights the growing importance of drones in South Asia’s military strategies, India’s ongoing investments in both drone and counter-drone technologies place it on a solid footing to address this challenge.
