NEW DELHI, May 9: In a dramatic revelation during an official briefing on ‘Operation Sindoor,’ women officers of the Indian Armed Forces disclosed that Pakistan launched between 300 and 400 drones during the intervening nights of May 8 and May 9, targeting approximately 36 locations along the Western border. The officers stated that the drones are believed to be of Turkish origin, although official confirmation and evidence are still awaited.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, representing the Indian Armed Forces at the special press briefing organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), informed that the primary aim of the large-scale drone operation was likely to infiltrate Indian territory, test the country’s air defence capabilities, and gather intelligence.

“On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure. It also fired heavy caliber weapons along the Line of Control. However, all their attempts were neutralised by us via kinetic and non-kinetic means,” said Colonel Qureshi.

According to the briefing, the massive drone and missile assault, which included attacks on Indian military installations and multiple cities, was completely thwarted by India’s advanced air defence systems. The repulsion of these attacks reportedly left the Pakistani Army in a state of panic and disarray.

Initial forensic analysis of the drone debris suggests that the UAVs used by Pakistan may have been Turkish Asisguard Songar drones. The forensic investigation is ongoing to verify the exact model and origin.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh elaborated that one of the drones attempted to strike the Bathinda military station but was successfully detected and neutralised before it could cause any damage.

In retaliation, India launched armed drone strikes targeting four Pakistani air defence installations, successfully destroying at least one air defence radar in the process.