BSF’s ‘Durga’ All-Women Drone Squadron Sets New Benchmarks in Border Security
The Border Security Force (BSF) has taken a revolutionary leap in both technology and gender inclusion with the launch of its first all-women drone squadron, aptly named ‘Durga’. Officially commissioned in 2025, this trailblazing unit blends the power of unmanned aerial surveillance with the strength and determination embodied by its namesake, the goddess Durga.
A New Era in Technological Vigilance
‘Durga’ serves as a critical force multiplier in the BSF’s mandate of securing over 6,000 kilometers of India’s sensitive borders. Positioned as the “third eye” of the force, the squadron utilizes cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to provide continuous, real-time surveillance. Their aerial vantage enables the detection of infiltration attempts, smuggling activities, and reconnaissance by adversaries, making border security smarter, faster, and safer.
Women Leading the Way
Comprising elite pilots, technical operators, and analysts exclusively women, the ‘Durga’ squadron shatters traditional gender norms within India’s paramilitary landscape. Led by Commandant Priya Singh, these skilled professionals undergo rigorous training at BSF centers to master drone piloting, hardware maintenance, and intelligence data interpretation.
This initiative not only highlights the BSF’s faith in women's operational and technical abilities but also encourages more young women to envision careers in defense technology — a domain once considered exclusively male.
The Technology Behind ‘Durga’
The unit operates sophisticated indigenous UAV platforms, including the famed T-4 Drone System known for its:
- High-resolution day and night cameras equipped with thermal and infrared sensors
- Autonomous flight capabilities with GPS navigation and obstacle avoidance
- Secure, encrypted communication channels ensuring stealthy intelligence sharing
Empowering Women, Strengthening Borders
The formation of ‘Durga’ signals a broader transformation across Indian defense forces, acknowledging women’s critical contributions in technical and combat roles. The success of this squadron exemplifies how inclusive policies, combined with technological progress, enhance national security while championing diversity.
Future Horizons
Since its inception, ‘Durga’ has already contributed to increased border vigilance and quick response capabilities. Plans are underway to integrate artificial intelligence for automated threat detection, expanding the squadron’s efficiency further.
The pioneering model set by ‘Durga’ is expected to inspire similar all-women units across other defense forces, reinforcing India’s position as a technologically advanced and gender-inclusive military power.
