Col. Sofiya Qureshi: Pakistan used 300–400 Turkish drones in cross-border infiltration attempt

In a significant escalation along the western border, the Pakistani Army violated Indian airspace on the night of May 7 and 8, launching a coordinated drone and artillery assault aimed at Indian military installations. 

According to official sources, 300 to 400 drones were deployed at 36 infiltration points in a calculated attempt to breach Indian defences and gather intelligence.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, addressing a press briefing, confirmed the unprecedented scale of the assault: “On the intervening night of May 8 and May 9, the Pakistani army tried to attack military installations on the western borders. From Leh to Sir Creek, drones were used for infiltration. The Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means.”

The Colonel noted that the likely objectives behind such large-scale aerial intrusions included testing India’s air defence systems and conducting surveillance.

“Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones,” she added.

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Simultaneously, heavy-calibre shelling was reported along the Line of Control (LoC), intensifying tensions in border regions.

In a related briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed another alarming development:

“Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite launching an unprovoked drone and missile attack on 7 May at 8:30 PM. It is using civil airliners as shields, knowing fully well that India’s air defence response would be swift. This poses a serious risk to international flights flying near the India-Pakistan border.”

The Indian Armed Forces have reportedly remained on high alert, and further retaliatory and preventive measures are under assessment.

The government is expected to take up the matter at appropriate diplomatic and strategic forums, as concerns grow over Pakistan’s escalatory use of drones and disregard for civilian aviation safety.