Pakistan’s recent drone incursions into Indian territory likely involved Turkish-made Songar drones, Indian defence officials said on Saturday, as tensions flared along the border, according to the Indian Express report.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh told reporters that preliminary forensic analysis of drone debris pointed to models manufactured by Turkish defence firm Asisguard. A full investigation is ongoing.
The attempted drone strikes targeted 36 military and civilian sites between the night of May 8 and early May 9, officials said.
Turkey’s first armed drone
Developed by Ankara-based Asisguard, the Songar was unveiled in April 2019 and entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces in early 2020 following successful trials. It is the first armed drone developed and produced domestically in Turkey.
With a rotor span of 140 cm and a maximum take-off weight of 45 kg, the Songar is capable of 35 minutes of flight without payload. It operates at altitudes of up to 3,000 metres above sea level and 300 metres above ground, with an effective control radius of 5 km.
The drone supports real-time video transmission and is equipped for both day and night missions. It features autonomous and manual flight modes and includes a “return to home” function in the event of signal loss.
Weapon systems
Songar drones are armed with various payloads, depending on the model. These include:
5.56×45 mm NATO assault rifle
2×40 mm grenade launcher
6×40 mm drum grenade launcher
3×81 mm mortar gripper
8×tear/smoke grenade launcher
The assault rifle variant includes a recoil-dampening system to improve firing accuracy. Grenade launcher models can strike targets up to 450 metres away, with drum versions capable of multiple firings. The tear gas model deploys grenades through a controlled free-fall mechanism.
Each variant is equipped with safety systems that prevent firing until authorised by the operator.
Tactical role
The Songar is designed for coordinated military operations, including joint attacks with ground forces or other drones. It can be deployed for precision strikes, intelligence gathering, or battlefield support, with its compact size enabling stealthy incursions.
The drone uses both GPS and Russia’s GLONASS for navigation and positioning.
The latest border clashes mark one of the first known uses of Songar drones in live combat outside Turkey, and may signal an expanded role for the system in regional conflicts.
