SRINAGAR: The Pakistani Army violated Indian airspace multiple times during the intervening night of May 7 and 8, deploying around 300 to 400 drones to test air defence systems and gather intelligence, officials said on Friday.
Addressing a joint briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and security forces, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Yomika Singh said, “On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani Army violated Indian airspace several times along the western border, intending to target military infrastructure. All attempts were successfully thwarted.”
They added that 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. The Indian Armed Forces neutralised many of these drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic means. The likely objective of such large-scale aerial intrusions was to test Indian air defence and collect intelligence. Forensic analysis of drone wreckage is underway,” they said, adding that initial findings suggest the use of Turkish Asisguard Songar drones.
Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh said: “Pakistan’s irresponsible conduct was evident again. They not only launched drone incursions into Indian airspace but also failed to close their own airspace, effectively using civilian flights as shields.”
They said the Indian Air Force (IAF) exercised strategic restraint, ensuring no civilian aircraft were endangered. India, in contrast, immediately closed its airspace for civilian flights.
Military installations, including the Bathinda Military Station, were among the intended targets. However, swift response by Indian forces foiled the attempts. Officials also confirmed that Pakistan employed heavy artillery fire in the Kupwara and Tangdhar sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, violating ceasefire norms once again. (KNO)
