Pakistan's Aerial Incursions Aimed to Test Indian Defences, Gather Intelligence, Says MEA
Pakistan's recent series of aerial incursions, involving hundreds of drones targeting multiple locations along India's western border, were primarily intended to test Indian air defence systems and gather intelligence, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Friday, May 9th. Addressing the nation, MEA officials, including Col. Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, asserted that these "misadventures" were effectively neutralized by the Indian armed forces.
Widespread Aerial Incursions Thwarted by India
The MEA detailed that on the intervening night of May 8th and 9th, the Pakistani military violated Indian airspace multiple times, deploying an estimated 300 to 400 drones in attempts to infiltrate 36 locations with the aim of targeting military infrastructure. India reportedly successfully intercepted at least 600 drones during these simultaneous attacks. These aerial incursions were accompanied by heavy-caliber weapon fire along the Line of Control. Indian forces successfully repelled these threats using both kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities.4 Initial forensic analysis of downed drone wreckage suggests the involvement of Turkish Asisguard Songar drones.
Pakistan Accused of Endangering Civil Aviation
A significant concern raised during the briefing was Pakistan's alleged use of its civilian airspace as a shield. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh highlighted that Pakistan did not close its airspace to civilian traffic despite launching unprovoked drone and missile attacks on the evening of May 7th and subsequently on May 8-9. She presented data suggesting that while Indian airspace was cleared during the high alert, civilian airlines continued to operate routes like Karachi-Lahore near the International Border, posing a danger to unsuspecting international flights. Col. Qureshi remarked that this action demonstrated Pakistan "using civil airliner as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response."
Assessment of Motives and Denials
The MEA contingent reiterated that the primary purpose behind these large-scale aerial operations by Pakistan appeared to be an assessment of India's air defence preparedness and intelligence gathering. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri strongly condemned Islamabad's continued denial of its attempts to target key installations in India, labeling it as "another example of its duplicity." India has affirmed that its armed forces effectively countered Pakistan's extensive aerial aggression. The MEA's assessment points to a deliberate attempt by Pakistan to probe India's defensive capabilities, while also highlighting grave concerns over actions that potentially jeopardized civilian aviation safety.
