The Indian government on Friday said that on the night of May 7-8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times through Turkish-origin drones across 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 a press conference on Friday.
Indian armed forces are analysing the drones, said Col Qureshi.
“The possible purpose of such large-scale aerial intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence,” she said. “Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones.”A Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) also tried to attack the military station in Bhatinda, but the attempt was thwarted, she added.Pakistan’s attempts to violate India’s airspace were repulsed.
“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.
Later on Thursday night PM met NSA-External Affairs Minister-Foreign Secretary to review the prevailing situation.
What happened May 8-9
India on Thursday night neutralised Pakistan military’s attempt to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones, according to officials.
“Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir today,” a defence ministry spokesperson said.
From Leh to Sir Creek, the Pakistani army used drones for infiltration, said the Indian government.
Civil airliner as shield
Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite launching a failed unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7 at 8:30 pm, said Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during the press conference. It used a civil airliner flying from Damman to Lahore as a shield, knowing fully well that the attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response, she said.
“This is not safe for the unsuspecting civil airliners, including the international flights that were flying near IB between India and Pakistan. The screenshot we just showed… it shows the data of the application Flight Radar 24 during a high air defence alert situation in the Punjab sector,” Wing Commader Singh said. “As you have seen, the airspace on the Indian side is absolutely devoid of civil air traffic due to our declared closure. However, there are civil airlines flying the air route between Karachi and Lahore… Indian Air force demonstrated considerable restraint in its response thus ensuring safety of international civil carriers.”
