India on Friday accused Pakistan of attempting large-scale drone incursions across the western border and using civilian airliners as cover during heightened military activity.
Speaking at a press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said the Pakistani military violated Indian airspace multiple times on the night of May 8 and launched around 300 to 400 drones at 36 locations, from Ladakh to Sir Creek. The drones, she said, were likely intended to gather intelligence and test India’s air defense systems.
Indian forces responded by shooting down several drones using both kinetic weapons and electronic countermeasures. A forensic analysis of the debris is underway, and early reports indicate that the drones were of Turkish origin.
Later that night, an armed Pakistani drone attempted to strike a sensitive Indian military facility but was detected and neutralized. In response, India launched drones targeting four sites across Pakistan, successfully destroying at least one enemy position.
Pakistan also carried out artillery shelling along the Line of Control, targeting areas in Jammu and Kashmir, including Uri, Poonch, Manda, and Rajouri. Singh confirmed there were casualties and injuries among Indian forces. Pakistan’s military is also believed to have suffered significant losses in retaliatory fire.
Singh also criticized Pakistan for keeping its civilian airspace open during these military actions, risking the safety of commercial flights. “Despite launching an unprovoked drone and missile attack earlier on May 7, Pakistan did not close its airspace and continued to operate civil flights near the international border,” she said.
Flight tracking data presented during the briefing showed several civilian aircraft over Pakistani airspace at the time, including an Airbus A320 operated by US Aviation, which flew from Dammam to Lahore.
“The Indian Air Force showed restraint throughout the escalation to ensure the safety of international civilian air traffic,” she added.