Drone Strikes After Pahalgam Attack
Pakistan’s Drone Offensive on India and the Role of Turkish SONGAR UAVs: In early May 2025, Pakistan launched a missile and drone offensive against India following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Turkish-made SONGAR drones were used, intensifying South Asia’s complex security dynamics. The incident led to heightened alerts across border zones and sparked strong international concern.
Turkish SONGAR Drone Capabilities
The SONGAR drone, developed by Turkey’s ASİSGUARD, is a compact battlefield UAV equipped with a machine gun that fires 200 rounds of NATO-standard ammunition. With a 3-km radius and 2,800-m altitude limit, it supports GPS-based control and real-time video, making it an agile threat in modern warfare. Its design is well-suited for urban and frontier combat zones.
Strategic Deployment and Enhancements
Since 2020, SONGAR drones have been deployed in various military capacities, including being mounted on 4×4 combat vehicles. A major upgrade in January 2024 enabled these drones to carry 40mm multiple grenade launchers, further expanding their use against fortified or ground-based targets. These upgrades have turned SONGAR into a force multiplier in asymmetric warfare.
Turkey’s Support for Pakistan
Following the offensive, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed open support for Pakistan and called for international mediation. Turkey’s diplomatic stance signals its growing strategic partnership with Pakistan, while also reinforcing its presence in South Asian geopolitics. Erdogan’s proposal for a neutral inquiry into the Pahalgam terror attack has drawn mixed reactions globally.
Security Concerns and Regional Fallout
The incident has raised serious concerns over regional stability, with the involvement of a third party (Turkey) in South Asia’s ongoing tensions. The offensive highlights how advanced unmanned warfare and international alignments are changing the scope of border conflicts. Experts urge diplomatic intervention to de-escalate tensions and prevent wider confrontation.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Pakistan’s Drone Offensive on India and the Role of Turkish SONGAR UAVs:
| Detail | Information |
| Event | Pakistan Drone & Missile Offensive on India |
| Date | Early May 2025 |
| Trigger | Pahalgam Terror Attack with Civilian Casualties |
| Drone Used | Turkish-made SONGAR UAVs |
| Developer | ASİSGUARD, Turkey |
| Technical Specs | 200-round machine gun, 3 km radius, 2,800 m altitude |
| Upgrades | 40mm grenade launcher (Jan 2024) |
| Turkish Response | Erdogan backed Pakistan, called for global investigation |
| Security Concern | Heightened South Asia tensions and drone warfare threats |
| Relevance | UPSC, TNPSC, SSC, CDS, CAPF – Geopolitical Affairs 2025 |
