A series of Turkish military aircraft repeatedly circling Pakistan has caused a stir. The aircraft’s pattern of flying in and out of Pakistan has given rise to considerable suspicion. Indian intelligence agencies have found that this activity has been going on for three days, with several Turkish military aircraft observed arriving in and departing from Pakistan on August 19, 20, and 21. Intelligence sources noted that these flights occurred in a repeated, back-and-forth pattern. In particular, the frequent movement of Turkish C-130 Hercules transport aircraft between the two countries has raised multiple suspicions.
These Turkish military aircraft are capable of transporting cargo. Indian intelligence agencies have tracked multiple flights over the past 60 hours travelling from Turkey to Pakistan and back to Turkey. This has raised questions over why Turkish aircraft are suddenly making such frequent trips to Pakistan. While neither Pakistan nor Turkey has issued any official statement on the matter, information from credible sources indicates that these military aircraft have been flying between Turkey and Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, as well as Masroor Airbase in Karachi, Pakistan. Since nothing of this nature has occurred before, intelligence agencies consider this an unusual development. Reports have also recently emerged suggesting that Pakistan is building up its weapons stockpiles to strengthen its defence systems.
It is understood that Pakistan is currently procuring drones (unmanned combat aerial vehicles) on a large scale. As part of this, Pakistan is reportedly purchasing large quantities of drones and air defence systems from Turkey. Intelligence agencies estimate that Turkey has been supplying these purchased drones to Pakistan via military aircraft, indicating that Turkey has provided drones to Pakistan on a massive scale. Along with the drones, Turkey is also understood to have supplied Pakistan with an advanced missile defence system. Among these, the Bayraktar TB2 is considered particularly significant — a mid-range drone developed by Turkey that it had previously supplied to Ukraine as well, which Ukraine has used to strike Russian targets.
This drone is regarded as the most effective one in Turkey’s arsenal. As is known, Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia recently signed a military and defence agreement. Under this alliance, often referred to as the “Islamic NATO,” member countries are bound to support one another during wartime. Suspicions have emerged that Turkey’s supply of these drones to Pakistan is taking place precisely as part of this agreement. Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir is reportedly overseeing these developments.