Turkey trained Pakistani forces on drones days before India border escalation; defence ties deepen since 2021: Report

Indian defence officials are now examining the extent of Turkish UAV involvement during the confrontation.

Indian intelligence agencies have confirmed that Pakistan deployed Turkish-made drones during the recent escalation along the India-Pakistan border, and that Ankara has been deepening its defence partnership with Islamabad over the past three years, News18 reported, citing top official sources.

According to the report, Pakistan placed a significant drone order with Turkey in 2021, which was successfully delivered. Since then, defence ties between the two countries have expanded through multiple high-level meetings in 2023 and 2024, some of which included joint exercises and operational coordination.

Sources told News18 that Turkey also sent drone instructors to Pakistan to train its armed forces, with one such training session reportedly taking place just days before Pakistan’s recent military escalation against India. Indian defence officials are now examining the extent of Turkish UAV involvement during the confrontation. However, they also noted that Indian Air Defence successfully intercepted all aerial intrusions.

The developments come as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir visit Turkey in what Indian intelligence believes is a "strategic thanksgiving" gesture. Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday and thanked him for Ankara’s “resolute support” during the recent conflict with India, the report stated.

A senior intelligence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told News18:

“Türkiye and Pakistan have cultivated a strong and enduring defence partnership. A new chapter began in July 2021 when senior Pakistan Army officials visited Turkey. In the past two years, there have been several high-level meetings, including in control rooms, which are on record.”
According to the News18 report, the two countries have collaborated on advanced defence projects including next-generation fighter aircraft, naval frigates, and armored vehicles. They have also jointly participated in defence exhibitions and are now reportedly exploring cooperation in satellite technology, cyber defence, and space research.

One significant development highlighted in the report involves a visit by General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Commander-in-Chief of the Turkish Land Forces, to Pakistan’s Army General Headquarters in Chaklala, where he met with then-General and now Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff. Discussions reportedly centred on joint drone programmes, UAV platforms, and expanded bilateral defence cooperation.

Sources also confirmed that the cooperation includes Pakistan’s acquisition of Baykar’s armed UAVs and UCAVs, while Turkey has been using Pakistan’s Super Mushshak trainer aircraft as part of the exchange.