Turkiye denies sending weapons to Pakistan amid rising cross border tensions with India

Time of India

29-04-2025

Turkiye has denied reports that it sent military supplies to Pakistan amid soaring tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack. Claims on social media had suggested that six Turkish C-130E aircraft delivered weapons, sparking alarm in India. However, Turkiye's Directorate of Communications dismissed the reports as "speculative." While no confirmed arms delivery has occurred, Turkiye and Pakistan maintain close defence ties, including drone sales and joint fighter development.
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Tensions surge after Pahalgam terror attack
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Clouds Over South Asia
Turkiye has firmly rejected claims that it sent military equipment to Pakistan amid escalating tensions with India. The reports, which emerged on social media and some Indian news platforms, alleged that up to six Turkish C-130E Hercules transport aircraft had landed in Pakistan carrying combat gear.But the Turkish government refuted the claim on Monday. 'A cargo plane from Turkiye landed in Pakistan for refuelling. It then continued on its route. Speculative news made outside of statements of authorised persons and institutions should not be relied upon,' said the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, as reported by the Daily Sabah.The aircraft in question was observed flying over the Arabian Sea on 28 April, prompting speculation that the move signalled a last-minute arms delivery from one of Islamabad's closest allies. Flight tracking data from open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources had been used to support the theory. But Ankara insists the landing was routine.The denials come at a tense time. India and Pakistan are locked in a deepening crisis following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people. History shows that India has responded militarily to such incidents, notably after the 2016 Uri and 2019 Pulwama attacks. Fearing a possible repeat, Pakistan's military has reportedly moved equipment into Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and activated key air bases at Pensi, Skardu, and Swat.The regional atmosphere is on edge. It's this context that gave the claims of Turkish arms deliveries particular traction—and prompted sharp reactions online, especially from Indian analysts and geopolitical commentators.While Turkiye denies any fresh deliveries, it shares a well-documented and deep defence relationship with Pakistan. According to a March 2025 SIPRI report, 10% of Turkiye's total arms exports between 2020 and 2024 went to Pakistan.Their cooperation includes joint arms production, technology sharing, and a growing list of hardware exchanges. One of the most high-profile sales has been Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones to Pakistan. The Akinci, meaning 'Raider,' is a high-altitude, long-endurance combat drone. Pakistan received its first batch in 2023.In parallel, the two countries have also worked on the KAAN fifth-generation stealth fighter. Earlier this year, they discussed setting up a joint facility for its production in Pakistan. Talks have even explored co-developing helicopters and advanced air-to-air missile systems, such as the FAZ-2 and Turkey's Gökdoğan.The collaboration extends into the naval domain. Pakistan has acquired four MILGEM-class corvettes from Turkiye, with the final one, PNS Tariq, delivered in August 2023. Turkiye also modernised Pakistan's ageing Agosta 90B submarines, upgrading sonar, radar, and control systems.Pakistan's largest naval ship, the fleet tanker PNS Moawin, was co-designed by Turkiye's STM and constructed in Karachi. Discussions around co-developing submarines, possibly including nuclear-powered ones, have been ongoing.Beyond platforms, munitions sales have also played a role. In 2023, reports indicated that Pakistan purchased anti-tank guided weapons from Turkish firm Rokestan and Kemankeş AI-powered cruise missiles from Baykar. These are believed to be integrated into Pakistan's drone fleet.Both countries are also exploring deeper missile technology exchange, particularly in the air-to-air segment, aiming to jointly produce short-range and beyond-visual-range systems.Beyond weapons, Ankara has offered diplomatic support to Islamabad—especially on Kashmir. After his February 2025 meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan publicly called for a UN-led dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue.Just hours after the Pahalgam attack, Shehbaz Sharif thanked Erdoğan for Turkiye's 'unwavering support' on Kashmir, further underlining the closeness of their relationship.While the Turkish government has denied making a fresh delivery of arms to Pakistan, the speculation has drawn attention to how close the two countries have become in recent years.With China also reportedly arming Pakistan—particularly with the PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile—the broader picture suggests a shifting security dynamic in South Asia.In the meantime, Turkiye's denial puts a pause on the speculation. But the underlying alliances remain.