Ministry of External Affairs said preliminary reports from the forensic examination of the drone debris revealed that Turkish-developed Asisguard Songar models were used by Pakistan to launch attacks on 36 military and civilian sites on May 8 and 9. In a briefing on Friday, Colonel Sofia Qureshi mentioned that the potential reason behind the use of the Songar model was to gather intelligence.
“A forensic examination of the drones debris is currently underway. Preliminary reports indicate that the drones are Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models,” said Colonel Sofia Qureshi.
The use of Songar drones by Pakistan in huge numbers is a significant escalation in drone warfare in the subcontinent.
What are Songar Drones
Songar drones are armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) developed by Turkish defence firm Asisguard. Songar drones are Turkey’s first national armed drone system and have been in service with the Turkish Armed Forces since the year 2020. These drones are famous for their compact design and tactical flexibility and are designed for both internal security and international military operations.
How Songar Drones Work
Turkey-made Songar drones is equipped with an automatic machine gun, capable of carrying around 200 rounds of 5.56x45mm NATO-standard ammunition. The drone has a 3-km operational radius and can fly at altitudes up to 2,800 meters. The system used in the drone includes a real-time video transmission module and is supported by a ground control station, enabling autonomous or manual navigation via GPS-guided paths.
It is equipped with a special feed chute and an automatic firing mechanism that allows precise targeting while in motion.
Since Songar drones' induction, they have been integrated into both ground vehicles and standalone UAV operations. In 2020, it was mounted on a 4x4 armored vehicle to support close-range combat and surveillance. Last year, the platform was upgraded to carry a 40mm multiple grenade launcher in collaboration with Repkon Defense Systems.
