New Delhi: In a significant escalation of hostilities, Pakistan launched a large-scale drone offensive against India, utilizing between 300 and 400 Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones to target military installations across the western border on the night of May 8 and 9, 2025. This coordinated attack involved attempts to infiltrate 36 locations, including the strategically important Bhatinda military station, as confirmed by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi during a press briefing held by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence.
Colonel Qureshi detailed that the Pakistani army had not only violated Indian airspace multiple times but also fired heavy-calibre weapons along the Line of Control (LoC) during this period. In response, Indian armed forces successfully shot down many of the drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic means, ensuring that the majority of the aerial threats were neutralized before they could achieve their objectives.
"On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure," Colonel Qureshi stated. She added that the drones were likely deployed for surveillance purposes, with initial assessments indicating their Turkish origin.
Pakistan's actions have raised serious concerns regarding the safety of civilian air traffic, as noted by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. "Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite launching a failed unprovoked drone and missile attack. This poses a significant risk to unsuspecting civil airliners, including international flights operating near the India-Pakistan border," she explained.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri echoed these sentiments, condemning Pakistan's use of civilian air traffic as a shield during military operations. He stated, "Pakistan spread disinformation that India targeted the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara through a drone attack, which is yet another blatant lie. Pakistan is trying desperately to impart a communal hue to the situation with the intention to create communal discord."
In a tragic turn of events, Pakistani cross-border shelling resulted in casualties, including the deaths of two children at a Christian missionary school in Poonch, which was struck by a shell fired from Pakistan. Misri called this incident "extremely regrettable and condemnable," highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attacks.
Amidst these tensions, India has taken significant measures to safeguard its airspace, closing 24 airports near the international border to ensure the safety of civilian flights. In contrast, Pakistani civil airlines continued operations, flying routes between Karachi and Lahore, even as military tensions escalated.
During the press briefing, Colonel Qureshi noted that forensic investigations of the wreckage from the downed drones were underway, with preliminary reports confirming their Turkish Asisguard Songar model. These drones are designed for versatility in military operations, capable of broadcasting real-time video and operating within a mission radius of up to 5 km.
In retaliation for the drone attacks, India launched its own armed drones targeting four Pakistani military installations, successfully destroying at least one air defense radar. Colonel Qureshi confirmed that all Pakistani attacks were effectively neutralized by Indian defense forces, affirming the capability and readiness of the Indian military in the face of such provocations.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military activity reported along the LoC, particularly in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan has continued its artillery shelling. This has resulted in injuries to several Indian soldiers, further heightening tensions between the two countries.
As the international community watches closely, the Indian government has reiterated its commitment to national security and the protection of its territorial integrity. The use of drones in this context marks a new chapter in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, raising questions about future military engagements and the potential for escalation.
In summary, the recent drone offensive by Pakistan represents a significant and concerning development in the long-standing conflict between the two nations. With both sides on high alert, the potential for further military action looms large, as does the risk to civilian lives caught in the crossfire.
