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News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
Pakistan, Turkey Are New Anti-India BFFs: $900-Mn Drones, Intel Sharing To Defence Pacts
Last Updated: Pakistan will sign $900-million deals for spy drones from Turkey and get 700+ loitering munitions. The 2 countries will boost trade volume to $5 bn dollars: Top military official Pakistan and Turkey or Türkiye are set to enter a new era of security arrangements, defence deals, intelligence sharing and strategic partnership to do jihad against India, according to a top military official. 'While Pakistan is set to enter into deals worth $900 million for latest spy drones from Turkish firms and get 700+ loitering munitions to boost its military surveillance, the two countries plan to boost their trade volume to $5 billion dollars," said the source. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, and Yasar Güler, Minister of National Defence, met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, National Security Advisor and DG ISI Lt. General Muhammad Asim Malik and other senior officials in Islamabad as part of their two-days official visit last week. What was discussed during Pakistan-Turkey leaders' meet? According to the official, both the countries' leadership stressed to strengthen their cooperation in defence deals, security cooperation, intelligence sharing and strategic partnerships — top leadership of both countries have discussed recent regional developments in Iran, Gaza and Afghanistan too. The official added, 'Turkey will boost supply of modern weapons specially in the field of drones — recently Pakistan has used Turkish-made SONGAR drones against India in May during the conflict." 'Turkey is likely to provide more than 700 latest loitering munitions to Pakistan and its may be Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones of worth around $900 million dollars — in exchange Pakistan will supply equipments of modern artillery for tanks, mortar shells and other weapons to Turkey," the source added. Defense and strategic deals will be kept secret, while the trade volume of both countries to be boosted around $5 billion dollars by the end of 2025, he added. Pakistan-Turkey bilateral ties Top leadership of Turkey and Pakistan have expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Türkiye in diverse fields, including cultural exchange, trade, investment, technology, defence and intelligence sharing. Sharif stressed upon the need for concerted efforts by both sides to enhance bilateral trade to attain the mutually agreed target of $5 billion dollars. Highlighting Pakistan's investor-friendly policies, he invited Turkish companies to expand their investment footprint in Pakistan and invited Turkish side to share its expertise to assist in Pakistan's structural reforms, economic growth and development efforts. Sharif and Munir expressed his deepest gratitude to the Turkish nation and leadership for their support to Pakistan during the recent Indian aggression. Turkey has strong ties with Pakistan and expressed solidarity with Islamabad during recent military conflict with India in May, angering India. Pakistan's top civil military leadership is likely to visit Ankara soon to materialise the deals with Turkey, said the source. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
10-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
What Are Turkish Drones Songar That Pakistan Used To Attack India?
India-Pakistan War: The Indian Army on Friday stated that Pakistan fired hundreds of Turkish-made drones, including several armed drones, at India, targeting civilian areas. The Army, however, confirmed that all 400-500 drones were neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic means. The drones used by Pakistan are Songar drones manufactured by Turkish defence firm Asisguard in 2019 and put into service in 2020. What Are SONGAR Drones? SONGAR, developed by Turkish defence company ASISGUARD, is the first nationally-produced armed drone to be integrated into the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) inventory. In a significant advancement, SONGAR has now been successfully incorporated into an unmanned, remotely controllable 4x4 military land vehicle, enhancing the operational capabilities of ground forces. This integration provides the vehicle with superior strike power and the ability to autonomously detect and destroy threats during security operations. The drone features a rotor-to-rotor width of 140 cm and supports a maximum take-off weight of 45 kilograms. Without any payload, it is capable of operating for up to 35 minutes. Designed as a portable unmanned aerial system (UAS), it transmits real-time video and can function effectively within a 5-kilometer operational radius. The drone is capable of reaching altitudes of up to 3,000 meters above mean sea level and 300 meters above ground level. Equipped with automatic machine guns and grenade launchers, the SONGAR drone enables the military vehicle to identify targets from the air and carry out remote armed interventions. Designed to operate around the clock, it remains on constant alert to address asymmetric threats, functioning effectively both day and night. Its autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities ensure that it can respond swiftly in dynamic combat scenarios. SONGAR features a 10-kilometre operational range and supports real-time image transmission, making it suitable for a variety of critical missions. These include target area surveillance, threat neutralisation, post-mission damage assessment, and the execution of coordinated attacks using single or multiple drones. It provides tactical advantages such as delivering high volumes of firepower from the air against ambushes or potential threats, and can also serve in offensive roles when necessary.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
What are the Turkish Asisguard SONGAR drones used by Pakistan on India last night?
In a major escalation on the intervening night of May 8 and 9, Pakistan launched a coordinated drone and missile offensive on Indian territories, reportedly using Turkish-origin SONGAR drones , the Ministry of External Affairs conformed Friday. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here's all that's happening Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources India on high alert: What's shut, who's on leave, and state-wise emergency measures Addressing a press conference, Colonel Sofia Qureshi alongside Foreign secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commender Vyomika Singh, said that as per initial reports, nearly 400 drones targeted regions across Punjab, Jammu, and Rajasthan. "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," said Colonel Qureshi. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Linda Kozlowski, 67, Shows Off Her Perfect Figure In A New Photo Investructor Undo Also Read: Pakistan used 300-400 Turkish drones to attempt infiltration, tried to target India's military installations on May 8-9, says MEA After the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civillians, tensions have sharply escalated between India and Pakistan. Amid this, with diplomatic world calling for de-escalation, what is most notable is that Turkey has publicly extended its support to Pakistan. Live Events What are SONGAR Drones? SONGAR drones are armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) developed by Turkish defence firm ASİSGUARD . These drones are Turkey's first national armed drone system and have been in service with the Turkish Armed Forces since 2020. Known for their compact design and tactical flexibility, the drones are designed for both domestic security and battlefield operations. How SONGAR Drones work Each SONGAR unit is equipped with an automatic machine gun, capable of carrying 200 rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO-standard ammunition. It has a 3-kilometer operational radius and can fly at altitudes up to 2,800 meters. The system includes a real-time video transmission module and is supported by a ground control station, enabling autonomous or manual navigation through GPS-guided paths. The drone features a special feed chute and an automatic firing mechanism that enables precise targeting while in motion. It also has return-to-home functionality in case of communication loss or battery failure. Deployment and operational use Since its induction, SONGAR has been integrated into both ground vehicles and standalone UAV operations. In 2020, it was mounted on a 4x4 armored vehicle to support close-range combat and surveillance. In January 2024, the platform was upgraded to carry a 40mm multiple grenade launcher in collaboration with Repkon Defense Systems, expanding its capability to engage ground targets with greater impact. Turkey extends support to Pakistan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed support for Pakistan's handling of the situation in a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to the Turkish presidency, Erdogan said, 'Turkey was ready to do what it can to prevent the tensions from escalating, and that his diplomatic contacts in that regard would continue.' He also backed Pakistan's proposal for an international investigation into the April 22 attack, calling it 'appropriate' and 'valuable.' On social media, Erdogan voiced concern over rising civilian deaths and stated, 'We are concerned that the tension between Pakistan and India could escalate into open conflict with missile attacks that have resulted in the martyrdom of numerous civilians.' He added, 'I pray for Allah's mercy for our brothers who lost their lives in the attacks, and I once again extend my condolences to the brotherly people and state of Pakistan.' The Turkish Foreign Ministry earlier condemned India's missile strikes, warning they could push the situation toward 'an all-out war.' Erdogan concluded, 'As Türkiye, despite those who pour fuel on the fire, we are making every effort to reduce tensions and open channels of dialogue before events reach an irreversible point.'
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kartarpur Corridor shut indefinitely amid rising tensions with Pakistan
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday said that the Kartarpur Corridor has been shut indefinitely in the wake of heightened tension along the Line of Control . #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here's all that's happening Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources India on high alert: What's shut, who's on leave, and state-wise emergency measures "In view of the exsisting security senerio, the services of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor have been suspended until further directions," Misri said. "Pakistani side targeted places of worship with a particular design; it is a new low even for Pakistan," the Foreign Secretary added. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Harry Potter Actress Amazes Fans After 20 Years.. Lawyers Favorite Undo Misri added that Pakistan had targeted Indian cities and civilian infrastructure in addition to military establishments. "These provocative and escalatory actions taken by Pakistan last night were targeted at Indian cities and civilian infrastructure in addition to military establishments. Indian armed forces responded proportionately, adequately, and responsibly... The official and blatantly farsical denial of these attacks that Pakistan carried out, by the Pakistani state machinery is another example of their duplicity and the new depths, they are plumbing to.," Misry said. Live Events In a press briefing over the developments of the escalation with Pakitsan, the Indian government said that 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 . "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," said Colonel Sofiya Qureshi during the press conference. Indian armed forces are analysing the drones and as per initial reports, these were Turkey's SONGAR drones, said Col Qureshi. A Pakistani UAV also tried to attack the military station in Bhatinda, but the attempt was thwarted, she added. The 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 drones..." From Leh to Sir Creek, the Pakistani army used drones for infiltration, said the Indian government. India hits back India gave a befitting reply to Pakistan's attempts to violate India's airspace. "In response to Pakistan's attack, drones were launched against four Pakistani military installations. One of these drones was able to destroy an AD (air defence) radar. Pakistan, however, used heavy artillery and drones to conduct attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri, Poonch, Rajouri, Akhnoor, etc., injuring some of the Indian soldiers," Col Qureshi said.
