The Border Security Force (BSF) is set to undergo a significant cadre boost following its successful Operation Sindoor, marking a historic first for the organization. This decision comes in the wake of the BSF's commendable performance during the operation, which involved a robust response to cross-border threats and a demonstration of exceptional bravery.
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 people. The operation aimed to dismantle terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) and within Pakistan, targeting key terror sites.
During Operation Sindoor, the BSF played a crucial role in thwarting a major infiltration attempt along the International Border (IB) in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. BSF troops noticed suspicious movement and responded swiftly, leading to a heavy exchange of fire, successfully neutralizing at least two infiltrators and recovering arms and ammunition. The BSF's efforts also included retaliatory strikes, destroying multiple terror launch pads in sectors such as Akhnoor, Samba, and RS Pura. Impressively, the BSF hit as many as 72 Pakistani posts and 47 forward posts, without suffering any loss of assets or infrastructure.
One remarkable aspect of Operation Sindoor was the courage displayed by an all-woman BSF team. Led by Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari, the team defended two forward posts in the Akhnoor Sector of Jammu and Kashmir for three days amidst intense shelling by Pakistan. Offered the option to withdraw, they chose to defend their posts and forced the Pakistani soldiers to retreat. This was the first active combat engagement for most of the team members, who had joined the BSF within the last two to three years.
In light of the threats exposed during Operation Sindoor, including increased aerial incursions, the BSF is fortifying its border infrastructure and raising its first drone squadron. This squadron will be deployed at select Border Outposts (BoPs) along the India-Pakistan border and will include reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack drones operated by specially trained personnel. The drone teams, consisting of 2-3 trained personnel each, will be stationed at BoPs spanning the more than 2,000-km India-Pakistan border across Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The squadron will be navigated by a control room based in the western command headquarters of the BSF in Chandigarh. The BSF is also developing a drone analytics platform with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automatically identify targets, analyze patterns, and predict future activities.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the BSF's aggressive role during Operation Sindoor, stating that the force destroyed more than 118 Pakistani posts and dismantled their surveillance system. The BSF's unwavering vigilance and operational preparedness have been crucial in maintaining border security during heightened tensions. The upcoming cadre boost will further enhance the BSF's capabilities, ensuring that it remains a strong first line of defense.
