DID Press: Pakistan Taliban (TTP) announced the formation of a new unit called the “Air Force,” heightening concerns over the increased use of drones and quadcopters in attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Official statistics indicate a significant rise in drone operations carrying explosives by the group.
According to Pakistani media, the announcement is part of the TTP’s annual organizational restructuring for the new year. However, the addition of an “Air Force” unit and the designation of “Kashmir” as a new territorial division have drawn attention of the security experts. These changes signal the group’s intent to expand its military and tactical capabilities.
Documents released by the group indicate that Maulvi Saleem Haqqani has been appointed head of the newly established Air Force unit, while an individual named Hamza has been assigned responsibility for electronics and technical workshops—appointments directly linked to the increase in drone attacks in recent operations.
KP police data for 2025 shows at least 54 drone attacks in the province as North Waziristan and Bannu districts experienced the heaviest impact. Social media videos clearly show the use of drones and small quadcopters to deliver explosives.
Security sources reported these drones are often equipped with mortar shells or improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Some experts suggest that militant groups are leveraging decades of experience in missile and aerial warfare to turn these low-cost technologies into effective weapons.
Experts note that while vehicle-borne suicide attacks are costly and risky, using quadcopters is cheaper and can even serve a defensive role. Consequently, the shift toward drones represents part of a new tactical strategy by militant groups, posing a serious threat to civilians and Pakistan’s national security.