Poonch deaths: A strong case for India to ramp up cross-border surveillance to silence Pakistani guns

Pakistani forces have been targeting civilian areas with heavy shelling in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir after India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of Wednesday. The Pakistan Army’s shelling hit civilian areas, killing at least 13 people, including children, and injured more than 40.

This came in response to India’s Operation Sindoor, which was a joint-strike on terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. As a result, the situation at the Line of Control (LoC) has become tense and dangerous for both peace in the region and the safety of civilians.

This kind of attack is regarded as a war crime as serious violation of international humanitarian laws and a strong provocation. Given this unprovoked brutal aggression from Pakistan the question arises should India fully use its advanced surveillance and Target Acquisition (SATA) systems, such as the home-grown Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) and the Israeli-made Long-Range Reconnaissance and Observation System (LORROS), to silence the Pakistani guns?

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So far, India has been replying with limited and careful response without targeting civilian areas. However, this careful response hasn’t stopped further attacks from Pakistan. In this situation, using advanced systems like Swathi WLR and LORROS is no longer just an option—it may now be a necessary step.

Understanding the capabilities of Swathi and LORROS

Swathi Weapon Locating Radar, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is a mobile, phased-array radar system designed for counter-battery operations.

It is capable of detecting and tracking incoming artillery shells, mortars and rockets and precisely locating the source of fire within seconds. With detection ranges extending up to 30 kilometres for artillery and 80 kilometres for unguided rockets, Swathi provides a critical advantage in identifying and neutralising enemy fire sources in real-time.

LORROS, developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems, complements Swathi by offering day and night reconnaissance capabilities. It incorporates Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) and Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) imaging systems, combined with a laser rangefinder and gyroscopic stabilisation for high-accuracy surveillance.

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Capable of identifying vehicular movement up to 25 kilometres away, LORROS allows for constant monitoring of enemy troop movements, artillery setups and logistic lines.

Together, these systems form a robust network that enhances situational awareness, improves target acquisition and enables precision counter-fire operations. Deployed effectively, they can serve not only to deter enemy aggression but also to minimise civilian casualties by ensuring that retaliatory fire is both timely and accurate.

Operational utility in current conflict

Deploying Swathi and LORROS in the current situation would give the Indian Army a strong advantage. Pakistani artillery has caused many civilian deaths and the accuracy of the Swathi WLR can help India respond better. Swathi can quickly find where enemy fire is coming from, allowing Indian forces to target and destroy Pakistani artillery before it can fire again.

At the same time, LORROS would act like eyes on the battlefield, especially in areas where it’s hard to see because of the land or weather. It can spot troop movements, command centres and vehicle groups. This gives the army important information for both defence and attack.

Also, using these systems as part of a larger network-based warfare plan would help air and ground forces work together. The data from LORROS can be sent to Swathi to guide firing or to the Indian Air Force for precise strikes. This would create a smooth system of spotting, aiming and attacking.

Humanitarian dimensions and the need for precision

The humanitarian fallout from artillery exchanges is immense as we have seen in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonh. Civilian populations along the LoC are frequently caught in the crossfire, leading to displacement, psychological trauma and infrastructure destruction. In such a context, precision in retaliation becomes not just a military requirement but a moral imperative.

Swathi and LORROS offer the precision necessary to distinguish between military targets and civilian areas. Their deployment would enable India to respond decisively to enemy fire while adhering to the principles of proportionality and distinction under international humanitarian law. This adherence would strengthen India’s moral high ground in the international arena and protect its strategic interests in the long term.

Furthermore, these systems could be instrumental in creating secure zones or buffer areas where civilian populations are protected by the certainty of swift and accurate countermeasures. Real-time detection of artillery sources could also facilitate the evacuation of threatened zones, minimising casualties and ensuring effective crisis management.

A strategic imperative

In sum, if Pakistan continues with its relentless hostilities, the deployment of India’s advanced SATA systems becomes both a strategic necessity and a tactical advantage. Systems like Swathi WLR and LORROS enhance India’s ability to respond proportionately and precisely to provocations while minimising collateral damage.