Latest news with #Asisguard
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First Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
'Mutual respect and sensitivities basis of bilateral ties': India's reminder to Turkey, China over Pak terror
A preliminary probe into the debris of Pakistani drones thwarted by India's air defence systems on May 9 reveals that the country used the Turkey-made Songar armed drone system read more The External Affairs Ministry has called for Turkey and China to be sensitive to India's concerns after initial investigations revealed that Pakistan deployed drones made by the two countries following New Delhi's Operation Sindoor. 'We expect Turkey to strongly urge Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism and take credible and verifiable actions against the terror ecosystem it has harboured for decades. Relations are built on the basis of sensitivities to each other's concerns,' foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A preliminary probe into the debris of Pakistani drones thwarted by India's air defence systems on May 9 reveals that the country used the Turkey-made Songar armed drone system. Songar is an armed drone system developed and produced by Asisguard, a subsidiary of Asis Electronics and Information Systems, to enhance capabilities in low-intensity conflict scenarios. It is the first domestically produced armed drone to be deployed by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and the first indigenous Turkish drone equipped with a machine gun. Meanwhile, Director General Air Operations, Air Marshal A K Bharti, had presented images of debris of the Chinese-made PL-15 during a joint military press briefing, saying that the missile had fallen inside the Indian territory and parts of it were recovered from Punjab's Hoshiarpur. On the use of Chinese military equipment, Jaiswal said, 'Our NSA and the Chinese FM and Special Representative on Boundary Issue Mr Wang Yi had spoken to each other on May 10, 2025, when the NSA conveyed India's resolute stance against cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The Chinese side is aware that mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity remain the basis of India-China relations.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's Armed Forces intercepted and neutralised various advanced foreign-made weapons employed by Pakistan, including Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles and Turkish Byker YIHA III kamikaze drones.
New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
MP govt scrutinises Turkish drone-maker's linked to Indore, Bhopal metro projects over national security concerns
Taking to the 'X' (formerly twitter), the central Indian state's urban development and housing minister Kailash Vijayvargiya posted, 'Nation is supreme ... .There is no place for anti-India mentality. For us, national duty is paramount. Any kind of sympathy or cooperation with anyone who stands against India's sovereignty, no matter who he is, is intolerable.' 'Turkish company 'Asisguard,' which is engaged in manufacturing drones, is accused that the drones manufactured by it were recently used in anti-India activities. The serious issue is that the same company, 'Assis' is currently contracted for the work of digital systems in the Bhopal and Indore Metro rail projects. In this regard, instructions have been issued to the officials to conduct a thorough and impartial probe of the facts. If it's found that the company has direct or indirect links with anti-India elements or its products have been used against India's national security, then the company's contract will be terminated. We will not compromise with the nation's honour, security and self-respect,' Vijayvargiya mentioned in his post.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Kailash Vijayvargiya calls for probe into Turkish drone-maker Asisguard's links to Madhya Pradesh metro projects
Days after the Union government said Pakistan used Turkish-made Songar drones in attempted attacks on sites in India earlier this month, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has called for an investigation into Turkey-based defence company Asisguard's links to metro projects in the state. Pointing out that Asisguard drones have been accused of being used in 'anti-India activities', Vijayvargiya said, 'A serious concern is that the same company, 'Asis', is currently contracted for digital systems work in the Bhopal and Indore metro projects.' Songard drones are designed and manufactured by Asisguard. They were first launched in April 2019 and delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces in February 2020. They are Turkey's first indigenous armed drones. Vijayvargiya said officials have been directed to conduct a 'thorough and impartial investigation of the facts'. 'If it is found that the company is directly or indirectly associated with anti-India elements or that its products have been used against India's security, then the contract with the company will be terminated. We will not compromise on the nation's honour, security, or self-respect,' he said. Asserting that 'for us, national duty is paramount', the Madhya Pradesh minister said, 'Anyone who stands against India's sovereignty, regardless of who they are, will not be met with any sympathy or support. That is unacceptable.' This stance aligns with India's recent actions concerning Turkish firms. The government revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India, another Turkey-based company, citing national security concerns following Turkey's support for Pakistan during the hostilities in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
NDTV
14-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Concrete Evidence Of Hostile Imported Tech Used By Pakistan: 5 Points
New Delhi: All strikes under Operation Sindoor were executed without any loss of Indian assets. The Indian Air Force bypassed and jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied air defence systems, completing the mission in 23 minutes, showing India's technological edge. Here are 5 points on Pakistan's imported hostile tech Operation Sindoor produced concrete evidence of hostile technologies neutralised by Indian systems, the government said in a statement on Wednesday. One of them was the Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missile. Pieces of the beyond visual range (BVR) missile were recovered, the government said. India saw Pakistani forces use the Turkish-origin unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) Byker YIHA III kamikaze drones. Pakistan also used the Asisguard Songar armed drones. The system can broadcast real-time video and operate within a mission radius of up to 5 km, Asisguard says. This indicates the Pakistani drones were launched from areas very close to the border with India. Several types of long-range rockets, quadcopters and commercial drones were recovered and identified, showing that despite Pakistan's attempts to exploit advanced foreign-supplied weaponry, India's indigenous air defence and electronic warfare networks remained superior, the government said.
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First Post
10-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Why and how is Turkey doubling down on its support for Pakistan
Turkey has emerged as one of Pakistan's most steadfast defence and diplomatic partners, from supplying armed drones used in recent cross-border escalations to voicing support on Kashmir at global forums. The growing Ankara-Islamabad axis raises critical questions about regional power in Asia read more Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharid and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hold a bilateral meeting in Ankara, Turkey on April 22, 2025. Image/Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara Turkey's growing alignment with Pakistan — politically, militarily and ideologically — has drawn increasing scrutiny in India. This strategic partnership has not only matured into a deep defence alliance but has also come at the expense of India-Turkey relations, which continue to deteriorate under the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Recent developments have brought the growing Islamabad-Ankara nexus into sharper focus, particularly as it begins to manifest not just in rhetoric but on India's borders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Turkish drones used by Pakistan against India On the night of May 8, Indian forces witnessed unprecedented drone intrusions across the northern and western frontiers , with over 300 to 400 unmanned aerial vehicles attempting to cross into Indian territory at 36 different locations, ranging from Leh in the north to Sir Creek in the west. Indian authorities have now confirmed that the drones used were the Songar armed drone systems, manufactured by Turkish defence firm Asisguard . 'Preliminary reports suggest they are Asisguard's Songar drone from Turkey,' stated Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi during a media briefing. The Songar drones are designed for low-intensity conflicts and can carry firearms or grenades. Forensic analysis is ongoing, but officials say there is little doubt about the origin of the equipment. India's concerns deepened when a Turkish C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft landed at Karachi airport on April 27. Although Ankara claimed it was a routine stop, Indian officials are assessing whether this flight might have delivered the drones used in the attack. Adding to suspicions, a high-ranking Turkish military delegation led by Lt. Gen. Yasar Kadioglu reportedly visited the Pakistan Air Force headquarters just three days later. This discovery has raised alarm bells in New Delhi, not only for the threat posed by the intrusion itself but also for what it reveals about the evolving Turkey-Pakistan defence partnership. Experts say say all these developments show that it is time for India to corner Turkey diplomatically, strategically and globally, given it is now clear which camp Turkey stands in. How Turkey has armed Pakistan The defence collaboration between Turkey and Pakistan is not new but has seen significant acceleration over the past decade. In 2018, Pakistan signed a $1.5 billion agreement with Turkish state-owned defence firm ASFAT to acquire four MILGEM-class stealth corvettes as part of Turkey's flagship naval programme. This contract also included technology transfer, with two of the vessels being built at Karachi Shipyard. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Turkish defence industry has also supported Pakistan's Air Force and Army modernisation efforts. The Pakistan Air Force has received F-16 Fighting Falcon jets from Turkish Aerospace Industries, and the two countries have been exploring further cooperation in attack helicopters and unmanned aerial systems. In 2018, Islamabad placed an order for 30 Turkish T129 ATAK helicopters, also valued around $1.5 billion. Although this deal has stalled due to US export license restrictions, both sides continue to seek alternatives. Recent additions to Pakistan's military inventory include Turkish Bayraktar TB2 armed UAVs and Kemankes cruise missiles. As per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Pakistan received three TB2 drones in 2022. The newly identified Songar drones represent yet another Turkish contribution to Pakistan's growing aerial capabilities. Ankara has also played a pivotal role in modernising Pakistan's navy. STM Defence Technologies, a leading Turkish firm, is not only involved in building new ships but also handling critical upgrades for Pakistan's Agosta 90B submarines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This follows a historical pattern: during the Cold War era, when US sanctions restricted Pakistan's access to American defence hardware, Turkey stepped in to provide refits for PNS Ghazi, reported The Indian Express. How Turkey supports Pakistan on Kashmir Beyond defence, the Turkey-Pakistan partnership thrives on diplomatic and ideological synergy . Under Erdogan, Turkey has consistently echoed Pakistan's narrative on Kashmir, particularly at global forums like the United Nations General Assembly. In February, Erdogan asserted, 'Turkey, as in the past, stands in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today.' India called these remarks 'unacceptable' and lodged an official protest. Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan (L) shakes hands with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during a welcoming ceremony in Ankara, September 17, 2013. File Image/Reuters Following India's strikes on nine terror camps under 'Operation Sindoor' in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack , Erdogan reiterated support for Islamabad during a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He praised Pakistan's 'calm and restrained policies' and endorsed its call for an investigation into the Pahalgam incident, a proposal that New Delhi dismissed outright. 'I pray for Allah's mercy for our brothers who lost their lives in the attacks, and I once again extend my condolences to the brotherly people and state of Pakistan," Erdogan has also said on X (Twitter) . The Turkey-Pakistan diplomatic embrace is further institutionalised through the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Erdogan has visited Pakistan at least 10 times since 2003. In his most recent visit earlier this year , he co-chaired the seventh session of this bilateral body. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How India has responsed to growing Turkey-Pakistan ties India has not remained a passive observer. Recognising Turkey's growing involvement in the region through Pakistan, New Delhi has recalibrated its foreign policy. One key element of this is strengthening ties with countries that are either rivals or sceptics of Turkey. In the Eastern Mediterranean, India has developed robust ties with Greece and Cyprus. In 2021, India and Greece conducted their first joint naval exercises. India has also voiced strong support for the Republic of Cyprus against Turkish claims in Northern Cyprus. Greece, in return, has backed India's position on Kashmir. In the South Caucasus, India has emerged as Armenia's largest arms supplier by 2024 . Yerevan, which faces threats from Azerbaijan — Turkey's close ally — has turned to India for Pinaka rocket launchers, surveillance radars and anti-tank systems. These arms deals signify more than military support; they represent a counterweight to the Turkey-Pakistan-Azerbaijan axis. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which bypasses Turkey entirely, has drawn criticism from Ankara. In contrast, Turkey has promoted its rival - the 'Iraq Development Road' project. India's strategic partnerships with the UAE, Israel and France also serve to hedge against Turkish expansionism, particularly in defence and maritime security. How India has time and again aided Turkey The stark divergence in the India-Turkey relationship was highlighted during the 2023 earthquake that devastated parts of Turkey. India promptly launched 'Operation Dost,' dispatching relief teams, drones and aid supplies . Garuda Aerospace's drones were deployed to assist in rescue efforts, and Indian Air Force aircraft carried essential materials to affected regions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite these gestures, Turkey's pro-Pakistan stance has remained unchanged. That India's humanitarian assistance to Turkey after the devastating earthquake of 2023 did not substantially affect Ankara's outlook towards New Delhi is testament to the strength of the Pakistan factor in India-Turkey relations, experts have said. Indian tourists represent one of the fastest-growing visitor segments to Turkey. In 2023, about 2.75 lakh Indians travelled to Turkey, and that number surged to 3.25 lakh in 2024. Direct flights operated by Indian carriers like Indigo have helped bolster this influx. Yet, economic interdependence has not translated into political rapprochement. Pakistani leadership has visited Turkey numerous times with the latest being Sharif holding talks with the Turkish president on April 22 in Ankara, coincidentally the same day of the Pahalgam terror attack . Turkey's support for Pakistan, once largely rhetorical, has taken a strategic and operational dimension that now directly impacts India's national security. Ankara has positioned itself as Islamabad's most reliable partner after Beijing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
