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Turkish-made drones linked to Pakistan’s recent cross-border attacks raise serious geopolitical and security concerns.

Turkey’s Role in Pakistan’s Attacks on India

On the night of 8th May 2025, Pakistan launched an attack, sending 300–400 drones to target 36 locations across India, from Siachen in the north to Sir Creek in the west.

Indian forces shot down many of these drones using advanced defense systems. Forensic teams analyze the debris of the downed drones and find evidence that they are Asisguard Songar drones, manufactured by a Turkish defense company.

What Are Asisguard Songar Drones?

Songar drones, developed by Asisguard, a Turkish defense firm, are advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed for combat. First introduced in 2019 and inducted into the Turkish military in 2020, these drones are versatile and deadly.

They come in various models, equipped with weapons like:

• 5.56 mm assault rifles with 200 rounds of NATO-standard ammunition.
• 40 mm grenade launchers, capable of firing up to six grenades.
• 81 mm mortar grippers for heavier strikes.
• Tear or smoke grenade launchers for crowd control or tactical operations.

These drones operate at altitudes up to 2,800 meters and have a range of 3–5 kilometers, making them ideal for low-intensity conflicts.

They include advanced capabilities like real-time video transmission, autonomous takeoff and landing, and precise targeting through stabilized firing systems. 

Turkey’s Role: From Drones to Diplomacy

Deep defense partnership between Turkey and Pakistan, rooted in a Military Consultative Group established in 1988. Pakistan has acquired several Turkish weapons, including Bayraktar drones and Kemankes cruise missiles, with Songar being the latest addition.

Unlike other global leaders who condemn the Pahalgam attack, Turkey remains silent, refusing to offer condolences to India. Instead, it backs Pakistan’s call for an investigation into the attack, a stance India views as biased.

When India launches Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, striking nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam attack, Turkey condemns India’s actions. It warns that India’s strikes risk an “all-out war,” aligning itself firmly with Pakistan. This differs with the G20 nations and other Gulf countries, which urge restraint from both sides or support India’s fight against terrorism.

About India-Turkey Relationship

Established diplomatic ties in 1948. During the Cold War, Turkey aligned with the Western Bloc (NATO), while India led the Non-Aligned Movement, limiting deep engagement.

Since the end of the Cold War’s end, both nations have actively worked to strengthen ties. Generally, their political and bilateral relations remain friendly. However, Turkey’s support for Pakistan, especially on the Kashmir issue, creates friction.

They signed a Bilateral Trade Agreement in 1973, followed by the India-Turkey Joint Commission on Economic and Technical Cooperation (JCETC) in 1983.

Bilateral trade reached USD 10.7 billion in 2021-22, with India exporting USD 8.7 billion and importing USD 2 billion. In FY24, trade slightly dipped to USD 10.4 billion, with India’s exports at USD 6.66 billion.

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Source: 

INDIANEXPRESS