Islamabad, December 16, 2025 (Agencies) – Pakistan has quietly initiated an unconventional counter-drone program employing trained royal eagles to intercept slow, low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at sensitive sites, defense sources revealed.
The initiative, described as a low-cost, visual line-of-sight approach, reflects Pakistan’s adaptive strategy against modern UAV threats. Officials say the program is designed to provide an additional layer of protection for critical infrastructure, complementing electronic counter-drone systems.
The effort is linked to the Ornithology Research Initiative led by Prof. Dr. Aurangzeb Hafi, which specializes in rare raptors including eagles, falcons, hawks, and harriers. The first deployments were reported at East Continental Falconry Pakistan in Gujranwala, where royal eagles are being trained to intercept unauthorized drones.
According to experts, the program aims to move beyond traditional technological solutions by leveraging natural predatory instincts. While the approach is limited to targeting slow and low-altitude UAVs, it offers a symbolic and practical demonstration of Pakistan’s innovative defense thinking.
The initiative is expected to support domestic counterterrorism, policing, and security operations. Observers note that similar biological counter-drone trials have been conducted in Europe and Asia, placing Pakistan among countries experimenting with unconventional methods to address UAV threats.