Turkish transport aircraft make multiple landings in Pakistan, sparking Indian security concerns

During a 60-hour period from Aug 19 to Aug 21, Turkish military transport aircraft, including C-130 Hercules and A400M models, were observed landing at several Pakistani air bases, notably Nur Khan, Masroor and Murid. One flight carried the call sign TUAF526. Defence analysts suggest the sorties could have been used to ferry unmanned aerial systems and air-defence equipment such as the Baykar K2 kamikaze drone and Asisguard platforms.

These flights occurred shortly after the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed on Aug 7 by Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, which pledges collective defence among the three states. Neither Pakistan nor Turkey has publicly disclosed the nature of the cargo or the purpose of the missions. The activity has raised concerns within Indian military circles about Pakistan potentially gearing up for another confrontation with India, recalling previous cooperation that supplied Chinese missiles and Turkish drones during last year’s conflict.