Japan’s Defense Ministry and India’s Border Security Force are utilising advanced technology, including laser systems and counter-drone measures, to tackle the increasing threat posed by drones near their borders. Japan is conducting trials of laser systems on GSDF vehicles, while India is seizing drones used for smuggling drugs and weapons along the India-Pakistan border.
Japan Trials Laser Systems to Combat Drone Threats
Japan’s Defense Ministry is launching trials of laser systems to counter drone threats as part of their strategic defense measures. The initiative involves equipping laser systems on Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) vehicles, including high-mobility units. Key contracts involve a ¥1.5 billion deal with Kawasaki Heavy Industries for GSDF vehicles and a ¥1.9 billion agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for truck-mounted systems. Additionally, a radar system from Toshiba was acquired in February for drone detection.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries publicly showcased prototypes of their laser systems in March 2023. The prototype development and testing are scheduled to be completed by March 2026.
This initiative aligns with Japan’s defense plans from 2023 to 2027, particularly in response to concerns over potential Chinese drone swarms near disputed territories such as the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. Globally, laser weapon development is gaining momentum, with nations like Israel and the United States investing significantly in similar technologies.
India’s BSF Confronts Drone Threats on the Pakistan Border
The Border Security Force (BSF) of India is actively combating threats from drones on the India-Pakistan border. Between January 1 and June 15, 2023, 97 drones were seized, predominantly on the Punjab border. Drones are being used to smuggle drugs and weapons into India, prompting the BSF to deploy specialized drone-hunting teams.
The BSF’s counter-drone strategy includes studying the captured drones to pinpoint their launch locations in Pakistan. Counter-drone systems and jammers have been installed in high-activity areas near the border. Intelligence reports indicate that Chinese-made drones are being stored and launched from sites such as Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal, allegedly managed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group.
Enhanced surveillance and technological measures have improved the BSF’s ability to detect and intercept these aerial threats, thereby strengthening border security against both ground-based and aerial infiltrations.