International
oi-Prakash KL
An increase in military air traffic from China and Turkey into Pakistan over the past several days has raised questions over possible defence equipment transfers to Islamabad, News18 reported, citing security sources.
Heavy military transport aircraft were reportedly seen making multiple trips to Pakistan over a roughly 60-hour period. The flights landed at Nur Khan airbase near Rawalpindi and Masroor airbase in Karachi.
Military transport flights from China and Turkey into Pakistan suggest potential defense equipment transfers, possibly including UAVs, landing at Nur Khan and Masroor airbases amid a recent trilateral defense pact.
Turkish military aircraft were also spotted during the period, including one identified by the call sign TUAF526.
While no official statements have been issued by any of the involved governments, defence observers are pointing to the possibility that the airlift may have involved unmanned aerial vehicles and other military-related equipment. The sheer volume and timing of the flights, they say, suggest something beyond standard supply runs or personnel rotations, according to the report.
Turkey has also emerged as an important supplier of unmanned systems to Pakistan, which has expanded its use of Turkish-made drones. If the latest flights involved military equipment, they could indicate a further expansion of Pakistan’s drone capabilities.
The reported flights also come against the backdrop of a defence pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey in Mecca earlier this month. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be treated as an attack against all.
China and Turkey are among Pakistan’s key defence partners. China remains Pakistan’s largest arms supplier, while Turkey has expanded its defence cooperation with Islamabad in recent years.
