Debris analysis confirms Pakistan used Turkish-made Songar drones in a massive attack on India, escalating tensions. Turkey’s support, from arms to solidarity, raises concerns as India counters with robust defense measures amid Operation Sindoor.
By New Delhi Post
New Delhi, May 10, 2025 – A preliminary investigation into the debris from Pakistan’s large-scale drone incursions on Thursday night has revealed the use of Turkish-made Songar drones, developed by Asisguard, in attacks targeting 36 locations along India’s northern and western borders. The Indian government, briefing the media, highlighted Turkey’s growing role in supporting Pakistan’s military escalation, intensifying the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict sparked by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Songar Drones: Turkey’s Tactical Weaponry
The Songar drones, identified through forensic analysis of wreckage, are Turkey’s first nationally produced armed drone system, operational since 2020. Equipped with automatic machine guns and grenade launchers, these drones have a 5-km range and can operate at altitudes up to 3,000 meters. Pakistan deployed 300-400 such drones, targeting military and civilian areas from Siachen to Sir Creek, aiming to test India’s air defenses and gather intelligence. The Indian Armed Forces neutralized many using kinetic and non-kinetic means, though forensic examinations continue to confirm the full extent of the arsenal.
Turkey’s Strategic Support for Pakistan
Turkey’s involvement extends beyond drone supplies, with President Erdogan publicly expressing solidarity with Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Turkey’s arms exports to Pakistan, including Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones, have grown significantly, with official trade reaching $5.16 million in 2024. Posts on X and reports suggest Turkey may have supplied these drones post-Pahalgam attack, strengthening Pakistan’s military capabilities. This aligns with Turkey’s pan-Islamist foreign policy, challenging India’s regional interests and prompting India to bolster ties with Greece and Armenia.
Regional and Diplomatic Fallout
The use of Turkish drones has heightened concerns about foreign interference in the India-Pakistan conflict. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri dismissed Pakistan’s claims of Indian attacks on civilian sites as propaganda, emphasizing India’s focus on terror infrastructure. The international community, while urging de-escalation, remains divided, with Turkey’s explicit support for Pakistan drawing criticism. The drone attacks, coupled with Pakistan’s airspace closure, have disrupted civilian life and regional connectivity, raising fears of further escalation if diplomatic efforts falter.
Turkey’s backing of Pakistan with Songar drones marks a dangerous escalation in the India-Pakistan conflict. As India strengthens its defenses and regional alliances, the need for global diplomacy to curb foreign interference and restore stability grows urgent.