Pakistan’s police forces in the northern border region are adopting a low-cost defence tactic inspired by the war in Ukraine to counter militant drone attacks.
Large reinforced nets are being installed above police posts and buildings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where militants have increasingly used drones for surveillance and attacks.
The simple barriers are designed to stop drones from reaching security compounds. They can also catch or disrupt explosives dropped from the air.
The tactic reflects how battlefield technology developed during the Ukraine war is influencing security operations far beyond Europe.
Reinforced Nets Create Protective Canopies
The nets resemble large fishing nets but are made from specially reinforced, durable material.
They are suspended several metres above the ground between buildings and roadside concrete barriers. This creates a protective canopy over police facilities.
Security officials say the nets can entangle incoming drones or intercept explosives before they reach buildings or personnel.
If a grenade or mortar is caught in the net, the resulting explosion could cause less damage than a direct impact on a police compound.
Khyber District police officer Waqar Ahmad said drones are easily available in local markets. He said militants can modify commercially available drones to carry explosives.
Police have therefore started installing protective nets to reduce the threat posed by aerial attacks.
The approach is similar to tactics used in Ukrainian cities. There, large nets are sometimes stretched across roads to create protected corridors against drones.
TTP Increasingly Uses Drones
The new defensive measures come as security challenges continue to grow in KP.
The province has experienced a renewed insurgency by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Dozens of police officers have reportedly been killed in attacks on checkpoints this year.
The militant group has increasingly used drones since 2024.
Drones are being used for both attacks and surveillance. Security officials say militants can monitor police movements before launching attacks.
A senior KP police officer said militants use drones to track “every movement” around their operations, making counterterrorism efforts more difficult.
The availability of drones has also made the threat harder to contain. Drones are reportedly sold through specialised electronics shops across the province.
Recent observations found drones available at numerous stores in shopping malls in Peshawar.
A TTP commander told AFP that the group views drones as an alternative to suicide attackers. According to the commander, quadcopters can reach areas that conventional attackers may not be able to penetrate.
The commander also claimed that the group possesses thousands of drones.
Police Expand Counter-Drone Capabilities
KP police are now attempting to develop their own drone capabilities while strengthening defences against militant UAVs.
The force has begun specialised training programmes and is acquiring counter-drone equipment, including handheld jammers.
Last month, the KP police UAV Division conducted its first drone training course. A total of 52 personnel participated in the programme.
Officials are also using physical barriers alongside the new nets.
Police say the combination of concrete walls, protective canopies and counter-drone equipment can reduce the vulnerability of checkpoints and police compounds.
Muhammad Aamir, a police officer stationed at a checkpoint, said the nets had considerably reduced the risk of drone attacks and grenade strikes.
He said previous attacks had caused significant damage and casualties among police and other security personnel, but the situation had improved since the protective measures were introduced.
Communities Demand Greater Security
Despite the new measures, militant attacks remain a serious concern for communities in the region.
Residents say stronger security measures are needed to protect both police personnel and civilians.
Gul Haleem, a 48-year-old corn seller, said people want lasting peace and security in the area.
He argued that authorities must either remove vulnerable police posts from dangerous locations or take effective action against the militant threat.
The growing use of drones has added another layer to Pakistan’s security challenges. For police operating along the Afghan border, low-cost technologies such as reinforced nets are becoming an important part of a rapidly changing battlefield.
