Pakistan Launches 300–400 UAVs, Uses Turkish Drones in Unprovoked Assault on India: Centre

In a major escalation along the western front, Pakistan launched an audacious multi-pronged attack on Indian territory, involving an estimated 300-400 drones, artillery fire, and targeted UAV incursions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a press briefing led by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, confirmed that the drones were Turkish-manufactured Asisguard Songar UAVs, used in an apparent attempt to overwhelm Indian air defences and gather intelligence.

The coordinated infiltration attempt was recorded across 36 locations, with Indian armed forces employing both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures to intercept and neutralize the aerial threats. "The possible purpose of such large-scale aerial intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence. Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones."

One such UAV targeted the Bhatinda military station but was swiftly detected and shot down. In a calibrated counterstrike, Indian forces launched armed drones at four air defence installations across the border, successfully taking out at least one air defence radar.

Pakistan didn’t stop at UAV incursions. Heavy artillery shelling was reported from multiple sectors along the Line of Control, including Tangdhar, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, Akhnoor, and Udhampur. "Pakistan also carried out artillery shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), using heavy caliber artillery guns and armed drones… which resulted in some losses and injuries to Indian Army personnel. Pakistan Army also suffered major losses in Indian retaliatory firing," the MEA spokespersons confirmed.

Adding a layer of complexity, Pakistan allegedly used its civil airspace as a cover, forcing the Indian Air Force (IAF) to tread carefully. Nevertheless, the IAF maintained airspace integrity and ensured the safety of international civil aviation. "Pakistan used its civil airspace as a shield, while the Indian Air Force showed considerable restraint and protected international civil carriers."

The hostilities came shortly after India conducted pre-emptive strikes on terror hideouts located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The wave of Pakistani retaliation included strikes in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. However, Indian air defence systems performed with remarkable efficiency, neutralizing nearly all incoming threats.

In a decisive show of force, India responded by launching a wave of retaliatory drone strikes deep into Pakistan’s urban military infrastructure, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. During the exchange, an Indian fighter jet downed a Pakistani F-16 over Rajasthan airspace.

The situation remains tense, but India’s calibrated military response and firm diplomatic stance reflect both strategic maturity and preparedness to defend its sovereignty.