In a significant escalation of cross-border tensions, Pakistan reportedly deployed between 300 to 400 Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones across 36 locations along India’s western frontier during the nights of May 7 and 8, 2025. This large-scale aerial incursion targeted Indian military installations and critical infrastructure, marking a notable shift in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in regional conflicts.(Times of Oman)

Scope and Intent of the Drone Operations

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army detailed the extent of the incursion, stating that the drones were launched from Leh to Sir Creek, aiming to infiltrate Indian airspace and gather intelligence on military assets. The Indian Armed Forces responded by neutralizing many of these drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods. Preliminary forensic analyses suggest that the downed UAVs are Turkish-manufactured Asisguard Songar models .(@mathrubhumi, The Hans India)

The operation’s scale and coordination indicate a deliberate attempt to test India’s air defense systems and collect sensitive information. The use of such a significant number of drones simultaneously underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare, where UAVs play a pivotal role in surveillance and combat operations.(The Times of India)

Asisguard Songar Drones: Capabilities and Features

The Asisguard Songar is Turkey’s first indigenously developed armed drone system, introduced to the Turkish Armed Forces in 2020. Key features of the Songar drone include:(@mathrubhumi, The Indian Express)

• Armament: Equipped with a stabilized 5.56 mm NATO standard assault rifle, capable of precision engagement.(@mathrubhumi)
• Payload Options: Can be fitted with 40 mm grenade launchers, 81 mm mortar grippers, and mini-missile systems.(@mathrubhumi)
• Operational Range: Effective within a 3 to 5 km radius, with a flight altitude of up to 2,800 meters.(Firstpost)
• Flight Duration: Approximately 35 minutes without payload.(The Indian Express)
• Navigation Systems: Utilizes both GPS and GLONASS for accurate positioning.
• Control Modes: Supports both autonomous and manual flight operations.(The Indian Express)

These capabilities make the Songar a versatile tool for reconnaissance and targeted strikes, enhancing the tactical options available to military forces.

International Implications and Concerns

The deployment of Turkish-made drones by Pakistan raises questions about the proliferation of advanced military technology and its impact on regional stability. The use of UAVs in such a coordinated manner signifies a shift towards more technologically driven confrontations, potentially lowering the threshold for conflict initiation.(The Economic Times)

Moreover, the incident highlights the need for international regulations governing the export and use of armed drones. As UAV technology becomes more accessible, the risk of its misuse in escalating conflicts increases, necessitating a global dialogue on responsible deployment.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s extensive use of Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones in its recent incursion into Indian airspace represents a significant development in the use of unmanned systems in regional conflicts. This event underscores the evolving dynamics of modern warfare and the pressing need for international frameworks to manage the proliferation and use of advanced military technologies.

As nations navigate the complexities introduced by such technologies, collaborative efforts to establish norms and agreements will be crucial in maintaining regional and global security.