BREAKING: 3rd MEA Briefing: Full details here – Pakistan launched 300 to 400 drones across India’s western border on May 7-8

author-image
Chaitanyesh
Updated On
BREAKING: 4th MEA briefing: Full details here - Pakistan attempted airspace violations across 26 locations on May 9-10
Advertisment
  • Pakistan launched 300 to 400 Turkish-origin Asisguard Songar drones
  • They were launched with intention of infiltrating 36 strategic India locations
  • Indian armed drones were launched at 4 Pakistani air defence sites, destroyed its radar installation

Indian Armed Forces Respond with Precision Strikes; Pakistan Suffers Heavy Military Losses

In a dramatic escalation along the India-Pakistan border, the Indian Ministry of Defence has revealed that Pakistan deployed Turkish-origin Asisguard Songar drones to launch coordinated aerial intrusions across India's western frontier. The attacks, which took place on the night of May 7 and 8, were aimed at compromising Indian military infrastructure and air defence systems.

Senior defence officials, including Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, detailed the large-scale operation by the Pakistani military during a press briefing on May 9. The attempted infiltration prompted an immediate and forceful retaliation by the Indian Armed Forces, leading to significant losses on the Pakistani side.

Also read: BREAKING: 2nd MEA briefing: Full details here – India’s response to Pakistan is ‘focused, measured, and non-escalatory’ 

Pakistani Army Launches Multi-Front Drone Infiltration

According to Colonel Qureshi, the Pakistani Army violated Indian airspace "multiple times" across the entire western border during the night operation. From Leh in the north to Sir Creek in the south, approximately 300 to 400 drones were deployed with the intention of infiltrating 36 strategic locations.

“These unmanned aerial vehicles were launched in a systematic and wide-reaching pattern,” said Qureshi. “The aim appeared to be twofold — to test our air defence readiness and to gather real-time intelligence on our military assets.”

She added that the use of heavy-calibre weapons along the Line of Control (LoC) accompanied the drone incursions. This marked a major ceasefire violation, prompting alarm and swift tactical response across the Indian military apparatus.

Turkish-Made Drones Identified in Wreckage

Preliminary forensic analysis of the downed drones confirmed that several were Asisguard Songar drones, a model developed in Turkey and known for its tactical versatility, including its ability to carry firearms or grenades.

“These drones are not commercially available for civilian use and are designed for military-grade surveillance and offensive operations,” said Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. “Their deployment in such large numbers and in such a coordinated manner indicates premeditated military aggression.”

India is currently investigating the supply chain and logistics behind Pakistan’s procurement and deployment of these drones, raising questions about potential violations of international arms export regulations.

Also read: 1st MEA briefing: Wing commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi lead briefing on Operation Sindhoor

Indian Armed Forces Respond with Counter-Offensive

India’s military response was swift and strategic. According to Wing Commander Singh, armed drones were launched at four Pakistani air defence (AD) sites as part of the retaliatory operations. One of these drones successfully destroyed a radar installation, significantly degrading Pakistan's aerial surveillance capabilities.

Simultaneously, Indian artillery units responded to Pakistani shelling across the LoC, using high-precision weaponry to target and neutralize offensive positions.

“While we did experience some casualties and injuries among our personnel due to the initial drone strikes and artillery fire,” Singh stated, “our counter-offensive caused substantial damage to Pakistan’s military infrastructure. Their losses, especially in terms of equipment and radar systems, were considerable.”

Ceasefire Violation Across Entire Western Border

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the widespread ceasefire violations, calling them a breach of the 2021 ceasefire agreement between the two nations.

“This is not a localized skirmish. The Pakistani Army violated the ceasefire across the entire western border,” said an MEA spokesperson. “This unprecedented scale of intrusion is a matter of grave concern and will have diplomatic consequences.”

The MEA has already briefed international allies and intends to raise the issue at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.

Possible Strategic Objectives Behind Pakistan’s Drone Offensive

Military analysts believe the drone incursions may have been an attempt by Pakistan to either test India's air defence readiness or to divert attention from internal unrest or international scrutiny.

“The use of combat drones like the Songar indicates a shift in Pakistan’s tactical posture,” said defence analyst Major General (Retd.) P.K. Malhotra. “This was not an isolated act of provocation but rather a calculated military maneuver. However, it failed to achieve its objectives due to India’s advanced air surveillance and response mechanisms.”

He added that India’s ability to intercept and neutralize a large portion of the drone fleet using both kinetic (missiles, bullets) and non-kinetic (jamming, electronic warfare) means demonstrates growing competence in counter-drone warfare.

International Implications and Strategic Ramifications

The confirmed use of Turkish drones by Pakistan introduces an international dimension to the conflict. While Turkey has not officially commented on the presence of its drones in the operation, the issue could strain diplomatic relations, especially if arms transfer protocols were breached.

“This may trigger renewed scrutiny of Turkey’s arms export policies,” said foreign affairs expert Dr. Meera Menon. “If these drones were provided with knowledge of their eventual use against India, it would implicate Ankara in a broader regional conflict.”

India is expected to lodge diplomatic protests with both Pakistan and Turkey, while also increasing pressure on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to take note of the escalation.

Future Measures and Vigilance

In the wake of the attack, India is reviewing its border security protocols and investing further in integrated drone defence systems. Surveillance along the LoC and international borders has been intensified, with both manned patrols and unmanned aerial systems scanning for any further incursions.

The Defence Ministry has also initiated a probe into how such a large-scale drone operation was coordinated undetected until launch and is reportedly evaluating the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into real-time threat assessment networks.

“The message is clear,” concluded Colonel Qureshi. “India will not tolerate any attempt to undermine its sovereignty. Every incursion will be met with equal or greater force.”

Conclusion

The recent escalation marks one of the most serious military confrontations between India and Pakistan in recent years. With drone warfare emerging as a new front in border hostilities, the conflict has now entered a more complex, high-tech phase. As forensic investigations continue and diplomatic channels remain active, the region watches anxiously to see whether this exchange signals a temporary spike in tensions — or the beginning of a prolonged strategic shift.

Advertisment