India on High Alert After Bangladesh Deploys Turkish Drones near Border
India has strengthened security along the Bangladesh border in response to reports of Turkish made Bayraktar TB2 drones deployed in West Bengal. The drones operated by Bangladesh’s 67th Army specialised in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
The rise in terrorist activity in the border areas followed by the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government is the context against which this sudden emergence occurs. Extremist organizations that were previously suppressed under Hasina are using political unrest to re-establish themselves close to India’s borders. According to the reports, smuggling networks and terrorist organizations were also infiltrating India by taking advantage of Bangladesh’s political unrest.
India is aware of the tactical value of placing such powerful drones in a sensitive region despite Bangladesh claims that the deployment is for defense purposes.
Bayraktar Drones and Their Strategic Consequences:
The ability of Bangladesh to carry out surveillance and light strike missions has been improved by its purchase of Bayraktar TB2 drones earlier this year. Six of the twelve drones that were ordered have been put into use, according to Defence Technology of Bangladesh (DTB). Although India is concerned about these powerful UAVs positioned near the border, they are also viewed as a major contribution to Bangladesh’s defense assets.
Amid the unrest in Bangladesh, the military is already on high alert and is closely monitoring the new drone deployments. The Armed Forces may boost counter drone operations and use drones like the Heron TP in the sensitive areas.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and will take countermeasures as necessary to ensure the safety and security of our borders,” a senior defence official said.
India is also collaborating with foreign partners through agreements for intelligence sharing arrangements in order to face the changing circumstances in Bangladesh.
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