The Indian government confirmed on Friday that the Pakistan military likely used Turkish-origin drones—specifically the Asisguard Songar models—in a coordinated cross-border attack on May 8, targeting Indian military infrastructure across multiple fronts.
Key Highlights from the Government Briefing:
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Drones of Turkish origin: Forensic analysis of downed drones points to the Songar models, known for surveillance and precision strike capabilities.
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Massive airspace violations: The Pakistan military reportedly violated Indian airspace across the western border in what Wing Commander Vyomika Singh described as a multi-pronged effort to target military infrastructure.
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Large-scale drone activity: Between 300–400 drones were used in 36 aerial intrusions along the International Border and LoC, from Leh to Sir Creek. These were likely intended to test Indian air defence systems and collect intelligence.
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Attempted strike on Bathinda: A Pakistani armed UAV attempted to hit Bathinda military station, but was successfully intercepted and neutralised.
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India’s counter-response: In retaliation, armed Indian drones struck four Pakistani air defence sites, reportedly destroying one AD radar system.
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Ground aggression and artillery shelling: Pakistan also used heavy-caliber artillery and armed drones in cross-border shelling in areas like Uri, Poonch, Rajouri, Akhnoor, Udhampur, and others in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Casualties: There were injuries and losses among Indian Army personnel, though the government did not provide specific figures. Pakistan, too, reportedly suffered major losses in Indian retaliatory strikes.
The joint briefing was led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Col Sofia Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, underlining the seriousness of this escalation.
