High Alert: India Monitors Pakistan’s Covert Drone Technology Collaboration in Europe

SOURCE: AFI In a move that has heightened tensions along the Line of Control, Indian intelligence agencies are closely monitoring a reported Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement between a Europe-based drone manufacturer and Pakistan’s state-owned Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). The discreet deal, if confirmed, could significantly enhance Islamabad’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, raising alarms in New Delhi amid ongoing regional rivalries. A senior official tracking the development revealed that the ToT pact has reportedly been inked between the unidentified European firm and HIT, Pakistan’s premier defence production entity known for manufacturing tanks, armoured vehicles, and increasingly, advanced weaponry. “We are keeping a close watch on the development as Pakistan is trying to keep the deal discreet,” the official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the intelligence. The timing of this agreement is particularly concerning for India, coming in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor – a brief but intense cross-border conflict in May 2025 that exposed stark asymmetries in drone warfare between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Launched on May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor saw Indian forces conduct precision missile strikes on terrorism-related infrastructure linked to Pakistan-based militant groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed. In retaliation, Pakistan unleashed a barrage of over 600 low-cost, swarm-style drones aimed at saturating Indian air defences, emulating tactics observed in the Russia-Ukraine war. While India’s indigenous Akashteer air defence system achieved a near-perfect 100% kill rate, downing the drones with remarkable efficiency, the episode underscored Pakistan’s aggressive push to bolster its UAV arsenal. Post-Sindoor, senior Pakistani military officers reportedly reached out to drone powerhouses in Ukraine, Russia, and various European nations for military-grade medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones. These platforms, capable of loitering for over 24 hours at altitudes exceeding 25,000 feet, are ideal for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strikes – capabilities that could dramatically amplify Pakistan’s drone warfare footprint if the European ToT materializes. “These could boost Pakistan’s drone warfare capacity if the reported deal goes through,” the Indian official added, highlighting fears that indigenous production under the agreement would allow Islamabad to circumvent export restrictions and sanctions often imposed on direct arms sales to the country. Analysts point to the deal as part of a regional arms race in unmanned systems, where South Asia’s air power dynamics are rapidly evolving. Pakistan already operates Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones, as well as Chinese Wing Loong series UAVs, but lacks the full-spectrum MALE capabilities of India’s Heron TP or the U.S.-supplied MQ-9 Reapers. A European ToT could bridge this gap, introducing advanced avionics, sensor suites, and payload integration that would make Pakistani drones more lethal and survivable against Indian countermeasures. The secrecy surrounding the agreement has only amplified Indian concerns. Unlike high-profile pacts, such as the 2021 discussions between Russia and Pakistan for co-production of Turkish Bayraktar drones – which ultimately fizzled due to geopolitical pressures – this European deal appears shrouded in non-disclosure, possibly to evade scrutiny from bodies like the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). European firms, facing strict export controls under EU regulations, have been cautious about dealings with Pakistan, but the allure of technology transfer fees and market access might have tipped the scales. India’s vigilance extends beyond passive monitoring. The Indian armed forces have ramped up investments in counter-drone technologies since Sindoor, with the Akashteer system – a networked, AI-driven platform integrating radars, jammers, and kinetic interceptors – emerging as a cornerstone of defence strategy. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan recently noted that some Pakistani drones recovered intact during the operation were “crude” and unarmed, suggesting reconnaissance probes rather than full assaults, but warned of escalating sophistication in future threats. NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.