- Chinese and Turkish military transport aircraft reportedly carried out repeated flights to Pakistan over nearly 60 hours, drawing close attention from Indian security agencies.
- The aircraft may have transported military equipment, drones, and other defence-related material to Pakistan, according to reports citing security sources.
- Chinese military aircraft were reportedly seen landing at Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi and Masroor Airbase in Karachi, while Turkish military transport aircraft were also said to be involved.
- Indian agencies are on full alert due to the unusual nature of the airlift activity, which has raised concerns about regional security.
- In May, Pakistan’s Air Chief held high-level meetings in Turkey focusing on defence, aerospace innovation, unmanned systems, and new technologies.
- The reported airlift comes after Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, which states that any armed attack on any of the three countries will be considered an attack on all three.
- China has long been Pakistan’s most important defence partner, supplying military hardware including fighter aircraft, air-defence systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Turkey has strengthened its military and defence relationship with Pakistan in areas including aerospace, drones, naval systems, and defence technology.
Chinese and Turkish military aircraft reportedly conducted a continuous airlift operation into Pakistan for 60 hours, transporting military supplies that may include drones and HQ-9B air-defense systems. This operation has drawn significant attention from Indian security agencies, who remain on high alert.
The aircraft were seen landing at Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi and Masroor Airbase in Karachi, with reports indicating that heavy military transport aircraft made several rounds during the operation. Security sources suggest that this activity is linked to the strengthening defense ties between Pakistan, China, and Turkey.78
China has been a crucial defense partner for Pakistan, supplying various military hardware, including fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles. The recent airlift follows the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed on August 7, which stipulates that any armed attack on one of the three nations—Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia—will be considered an attack on all.6
Indian intelligence officials have expressed concerns that the airlift may have involved the delivery of military equipment to bolster Pakistan's defense capabilities, particularly after last year’s military clash between India and Pakistan, which saw the destruction of Pakistan's Chinese-made HQ-9B air defense system. This has led to speculation about whether new systems have been delivered to Pakistan in response to that conflict.
The ongoing military cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan has also been highlighted, with both nations focusing on advancements in aerospace, drones, and naval systems.
“The airlift follows the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed August 7, under which an attack on any of the three signatories is considered an attack on all. Reports suggest the aircraft landed at Nur Khan and Masroor airbases, with security sources linking the movements to potential drone and air-defence deliveries.”
India.com
