Latest news with #Akinci
Morocco World
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Burkina Faso President Condemns Algeria for Downing Malian Akinci Drone
Rabat — Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traore sharply criticized the Algerian regime in a recent interview with Russia Today. Speaking about Algeria's downing of an Akinci aircraft in Malian airspace, Traore said: 'This is a hostile and deliberate act.' Accusing the Algerian regime of disrespecting international protocols, Traore noted that 'no one shoots down an aircraft this way,' adding that 'there are protocols and radars that identify every aircraft, leaving no room for error here.' The incident marks growing tensions between Algeria and some African regional powers, with Burkina Faso's leader explicitly calling out what he perceives as an intentional hostile action by Algeria. Traore accused Algeria of blatantly downing the Malian drone after it came closer to their shared borders. On the night between March 31 and April 1, the Algerian military shot down a Malian Akinci drone. Mali didn't take the incident lightly and reacted by immediately recalling its ambassador to the North African country. Following the incident, the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, blamed Algeria on social media, describing its action as an 'irresponsible act' that violates international law. Read also: Drone Shooting: Over 1,000 Malians Protest Algeria's 'Act of Aggression' Algeria considered the unified stance as an 'unjustified alignment' of the alliance, expressing 'deep regret.' Mali's Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga said in a statement on the Malian Foreign Ministry's social media that the North African country's 'action proves if proof were needed, that the Algerian regime sponsors international terrorism.' For its part, Algeria's military regime admitted shooting down the drone, claiming it violated its airspace. Maiga denied the Algerian government's claims. Amid the escalating diplomatic tensions, Algeria later announced the closure of its airspace to all flights to and from Mali, claiming it needs to protect its airspace from repeated drone incursions from its southern neighbor. Tags: AlgeriaBurkina Faso AlgeriaMali AlgeriaMali Algeria tensions
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Pahalgam attack must elicit whole-of-nation response
The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, has sparked outrage and demands for a more decisive Indian response. Although the Indian government has taken diplomatic, economic, and strategic steps against Pakistan—such as banning imports, halting incoming mail and parcels, and denying docking rights to their ships—these actions fall short of a comprehensive response to the gravity of the provocation. What is now urgently required is a whole-of-nation strategy, one that involves not just the government but also businesses, civil society, and individual citizens. The inadequacies in the government's response have drawn criticism from national security experts and commentators; they have pointed out contradictions in the country's broader foreign and economic policies. While we have rightfully taken a hard line against Islamabad, our continued commercial and diplomatic engagement with Turkey—a nation that has deepened defence ties with Pakistan and consistently backs Islamabad on Kashmir—undermines our strategic objectives. Turkey's alignment with Pakistan is no longer subtle or symbolic. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Pakistan in February and reaffirmed Ankara's support for Pakistan's position on Kashmir, advocating for a UN resolution-based approach—language that aligns with Islamabad's narrative. Moreover, Turkey has become a key supplier of advanced weaponry to Pakistan, including Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones, and is partnering with them on the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet. Six Turkish military transport aircraft arrived in Pakistan delivering defence cargo, just days after the Pahalgam attack. Despite this, Indian carriers like IndiGo continue their lucrative codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, offering joint flights to over 30 destinations in Europe and the United States. According to recent reports, Turkish Airlines is gaining disproportionate economic benefits from this arrangement. Critics argue that such partnerships strengthen a country that openly aids Pakistan, both militarily and diplomatically. Sushant Sareen of the Observer Research Foundation was incensed: 'India is not a serious country... We feed snakes and then wonder why they bite us.' His remark points to a larger problem: India's lack of consistency between its national security priorities and its economic policies. In the wake of these developments, public voices are growing louder. Journalist Vikram Chandra questioned why Indians continue to use Istanbul as a transit point to Europe, noting that they should instead strengthen ties with Turkey's regional rivals like Greece. Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal even suggested suspending all flights between India and Turkey, a sentiment echoed by many who believe that symbolic gestures alone are insufficient in times of national crisis. A robust response to the Pahalgam attack requires not only government action but also public participation. This means citizens should become more conscious of their choices—be it travel routes, products, or services that economically empower nations hostile to India's security interests. Indian businesses must also align with the national interest, reevaluating partnerships that indirectly support adversarial regimes. Ultimately, national security cannot be the responsibility of the government alone. A whole-of-nation approach, where policy, economy, diplomacy, and public behavior converge, is the only sustainable forward path. The attack in Pahalgam is not just a wake-up call; it is a test of India's resolve. To ensure such attacks do not repeat, people and the Centre must shed their ambivalence, enforce consistency in their international engagements, and harness a collective will and tenacity.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Turkiye denies sending weapons to Pakistan amid rising cross border tensions with India
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. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tensions surge after Pahalgam terror attack Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Turkiye and Pakistan: A longstanding defence relationship Naval collaboration and submarine upgrades Missiles, munitions and military innovation Turkey's political support to Pakistan Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Gökdoğ 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 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 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 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 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 hours after the Pahalgam attack, Shehbaz Sharif thanked Erdoğan for Turkiye's 'unwavering support' on Kashmir, further underlining the closeness of their 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 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 the meantime, Turkiye's denial puts a pause on the speculation. But the underlying alliances remain.
Forbes
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Turkey's Best Drones Are Being Shot Down Over Middle East And Africa
A Turkish Bayraktar Akinci drone landing at Gecitkale Air Base in Lefkoniko, Turkish Republic of ... More Northern Cyprus, on July 17, 2024. (Photo by Baykar/Anadolu via Getty Images) March 2025 is undoubtedly the worst month to date for Turkey's indigenous Bayraktar Akinci drone, with at least two going down in Africa and the Middle East within a mere two weeks under different circumstances. Overnight, on March 31 and April 1, a drone fell out of the sky over the rural Tinzaouaten commune in northeast Mali, an area where the Malian military is fighting armed groups on the country's border with Algeria. Fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front rushed to the crash site and photographed the wreckage extensively. Algeria claimed it shot down an 'armed surveillance drone' that had violated its airspace near Tinzaouaten. Mali merely confirmed that one of its drones crashed in the area while on a surveillance mission, adding that it was investigating the incident. Regardless of whether it was shot down or crashed due to a malfunction, the incident is embarrassing for Bamako, given that it has received only two Akinci drones from Turkey delivered in 2024. It also may raise concerns in Ankara since it came a mere two weeks after an Akinci drone in Turkish service crashed in Iraqi Kurdistan on March 16. Turkey's arch enemy, the armed Kurdish PKK group, released a video showing its forces targeting and bringing down that drone. Over the past year, reports indicate that the PKK may have acquired Iranian-made loitering missiles, explosive drones with optical sensors and infrared proximity fuses that loiter around a designated area searching for enemy drones. Whatever the PKK is using, it has proven capable of downing an increasing number of Turkish-made drones over the past year. The same goes for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in neighboring Syria. Since late 2024, several incidents indicate that the SDF has acquired or developed anti-drone capabilities. The group has brought down Turkish Bayraktar TB2, Aksungur, and Anka drones. It even accidentally shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone that it misidentified as a threat. Those Turkish drones downed over northeast Syria are all medium-altitude, long-endurance, or MALE, combat drones. The TB2, in particular, is a cost-effective drone that can endure significant attrition over the battlefield. On the other hand, the Akinci is a high-altitude, long-endurance, or HALE, drone that has much more advanced sensors, a much heavier payload, and can carry more extensive and advanced munitions and weaponry, including air-launched ballistic missiles. It can also fire air-to-air missiles. Drones like the TB2 are more comparable with the American MQ-1 Predator. The Akinci is more in league with the MQ-9 Reaper, given its larger size, more sophisticated weaponry, and superior sensors and surveillance capabilities. It, therefore, outclasses its predecessors as both a combat and surveillance drone. Its latter capabilities were dramatically demonstrated when a single Akinci entered Iranian airspace on the night of May 19, 2024, searching for the crashed helicopter of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. The drone used its thermal technology and other powerful sensors to scan the mountainous terrain where the helicopter went down amid pitch darkness and adverse weather conditions. Ankara boasted that the Akinci's mission provided critical information on the whereabouts of the helicopter and its deceased passengers. It was also a perfect opportunity to showcase the drone's capabilities and potentially attract sales. While its higher price tag might not win the Akinci as many export deals as the TB2, the most widely exported drone type worldwide, Ankara has already signed export agreements with at least 11 countries for the more advanced drone. These recent losses over Iraq Kurdistan and Mali may be bad news from a sales perspective. If the Algerian Air Force shot down Mali's Akinci rather than a separatist group, which seems most likely, that would prove less damaging to the drone's overall reputation. After all, most drones would stand little to no chance up against high-performance fighter jets armed with beyond-visual range air-to-air missiles, or advanced surface-to- air missiles. For example, Iran shot down an American RQ-4A Global Hawk surveillance drone capable of operating at altitudes of 65,000 feet with its 3rd Khordad medium-range air defense system over the Strait of Hormuz in June 2019. Of course, non-state actors do not possess such systems. While the Akinci is also a HALE drone with a purported maximum altitude of 45,118 feet, the two that went down over Mali and Iraqi Kurdistan probably flew at much lower altitudes, thus making them more vulnerable to loitering or possibly even shoulder-fired missiles. The Houthis in Yemen have successfully used Iranian-made loitering missiles against American Reapers, bringing down a significant number in recent months. African countries acquiring the Akinci are doing so for use against militias but buying them in far fewer numbers than they would, or even could, the TB2. Therefore, losses are immediately more significant and costly when they do happen. For example, the downing of Mali's Akinci immediately constituted the loss of 50 percent of Bamako's tiny fleet. Turkey also delivered two Akinci drones to Somalia in March to support Mogadishu's fight against the notorious Al-Shabaab group. If either of these is shot down, especially by those militants, that could bode ill for future sales in ways that combat losses of the cheaper and more ubiquitous TB2, the 500th unit of which rolled off its assembly line in June 2023, have not. Algeria's western neighbor and primary rival, Morocco, also received its first batch of Akinci drones in February 2025. Morocco already purchased the TB2 back in 2021 and has used armed drones in its conflict against the Polisario Front group in Western Sahara. Rabat doubtlessly looked at the downing of the Malian Akinci with particular interest. It may even deter it from operating its Akincis too close to the Algerian border for fear of losing any of those more expensive system. Turkish drone losses in the Middle East in recent months were not insignificant, especially considering the losses spanned at least four indigenous drone types. However, the loss of two Akincis in two weeks is arguably more significant since it is the most advanced drone Ankara has put into active service and sold abroad to date. Time will ultimately tell if such losses—especially if there are more to follow soon—will have a noticeable impact on future sales.
Ya Biladi
05-02-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco receives a batch of Turkish Akinci drones
The Royal Armed Forces have taken delivery of their first batch of Akinci drones, produced by the Turkish manufacturer Baykar. According to the FAR Maroc Forum, these advanced drones are expected to be operational shortly. The Akinci drone represents a significant leap in military technology, particularly within Turkish defense innovations. This unmanned aerial vehicle boasts a 24-hour flight endurance and a range of 6,000 kilometers, with the capability to carry up to 1,500 kg of weaponry. This acquisition underscores the growing collaboration between the Royal Air Forces and Baykar. The Turkish company plans to establish a military-industrial unit in the Benslimane region, dedicated to assembling and manufacturing a special type of drone not yet available, as reported by the same source. Baykar's president, Selçuk Bayraktar, who is also the son-in-law of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, attended the 2024 Marrakech Air Show from October 30 to November 2. During the event, he showcased the Bayraktar TB3 drone and engaged in discussions with Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour. Since September 2021, the FAR have maintained a fleet of Bayraktar TB2 drones. Additionally, the Turkish defense firm Aselsan has expressed interest in entering the Moroccan market, further indicating the strengthening ties between Turkish defense companies and Morocco.
