Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi, (DD): In a significant escalation along the western front, Pakistan launched an unprecedented drone offensive against India during the night of May 7โ8, deploying between 300 to 400 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across 36 locations from Leh to Sir Creek. The Indian Armed Forces successfully neutralized many of these drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
Addressing a press briefing on Friday, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that initial investigations indicate the drones were Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models. She stated, โOn the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border to target military infrastructure. Not only this, the Pakistani army also fired heavy-calibre weapons along the Line of Control. Around 300 to 400 drones were used to attempt infiltration at 36 locations.โ
Colonel Qureshi added, โThe Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means. 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 dronesโฆโ
In a concerning development, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh highlighted that Pakistan kept its civil airspace open during the assault, posing risks to civilian flights. โPakistan did not close its civil airspace despite it launching a failed unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7 at 08:30 pm. Pakistan is using a civil airliner as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response. This is unsafe for unsuspecting civil airliners, including international flights that fly near IB between India and Pakistan,โ she said.
In retaliation, India launched precision drone strikes targeting four Pakistani air defence sites, successfully destroying a radar installation.However, Pakistan escalated the situation further by initiating artillery and drone attacks across the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in casualties on both sides.
The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalations.(DD)
