Escalating Drone Warfare Between India and Pakistan Raises Global Concerns

Both India and Pakistan have reportedly deployed drones in their ongoing conflict, with accusations of foreign drone technology being utilized. Experts warn of the potential escalation in military tactics, while noting the current use of drones serves more as a probing strategy than a direct nuclear threat.

The rise of unmanned aerial vehicles in the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan is intensifying concerns over military escalation. As both nations face off, accusations have emerged regarding the types of drones being utilized, with India claiming that Turkish drones are employed by Pakistan, while Pakistan has pointed to Israeli drones used by India. Independent verification of these claims remains elusive.

With both countries enhancing their respective drone development capabilities in recent years, this new tactic is seen by experts as a concerning shift in warfare, albeit one that reflects a global trend in active military engagements. The use of kamikaze-type drones, which have gained prominence in other conflicts like the war in Ukraine, appears prevalent in this conflict, marking a pivotal moment in the method of combat utilized by these nuclear-armed powers.

James Patton Rogers, a drone warfare expert at Cornell University, noted that while the current application of drones is worrisome, it typically represents a lower escalation step in conflicts. He highlighted that neither side has the capability to deploy nuclear-armed drones, suggesting that the current drone engagements are primarily meant to gauge the adversary's defenses rather than to escalate towards nuclear confrontation.

Rogers also indicated that at least 118 countries are now incorporating drones into their military arsenals, a significant increase since only 60 nations had drones in 2010. Pakistan, while utilizing drones developed locally and imported from countries like China and Turkey, has a considerably smaller drone capacity compared to India, which boasts a more advanced and sophisticated drone industry.

Shuja Nawaz, a former director at The Atlantic Council's South Asia Center, warned that the limited effectiveness of drones could prompt both nations to escalate further, potentially resorting to more traditional forms of warfare, including aircraft and missiles. The ongoing refusal to recognize established international airspace laws adds an additional layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.

As tensions continue to simmer, the deployment of drones by both India and Pakistan brings to light the delicate balance of power, the risks associated with misinformation in military reporting, and the broader implications for peace and stability in the region.