Indian Army Exhibits Turkish-Origin Kamikaze Drone Downed During Operation Sindoor
India has disclosed crucial information concerning a weaponised drone deployed by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, highlighting the magnitude of the aerial threat that Indian forces neutralised in May 2025. NDTV obtained exclusive access to the remnants of a Turkish-origin kamikaze drone downed by India's air defence systems. This drone was later showcased at Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi's residence in New Delhi in celebration of Vijay Diwas.
The exhibited drone was identified as a YIHA-III, a loitering munition developed collaboratively by Turkey and Pakistan. Official reports indicate that the drone was launched from Lahore International Airport and was flying at an altitude of roughly 2,000 metres when it was intercepted and destroyed by Indian forces on May 10. Its intended target was the Indian Air Force base in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, but it was successfully neutralised over Amritsar before reaching its intended military objective.
Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7, following precision strikes that destroyed multiple terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives. Starting May 8, Pakistan retaliated with a large-scale drone assault, deploying hundreds of armed drones against approximately 36 towns and cities across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Punjab.
Indian defence authorities revealed that the YIHA-III drone was equipped with about 10 kilograms of munitions. Engineered as a loitering or "suicide" drone, the YIHA-III is designed to hover over a specified area to identify targets and then crash into them with an explosive load. Nevertheless, the majority of these drones were intercepted by India's comprehensive and multi-layered air defence network, thereby preventing widespread destruction.
Subsequent dismantling and analysis of the drone by Indian Army cyber and technical experts allowed for a closer examination of its flight control systems, navigation components, and origins, clarifying Pakistan's operational intentions and foreign affiliations. Officials suggested that the forensic investigation reinforced evidence of Turkey's defence partnership with Pakistan.
Reports also emerged that Pakistan had utilised Turkish-made Songar armed drones, produced by Ankara-based defence firm Asisguard, during the same timeframe. These drones are available in various versions capable of carrying assault rifles, grenade launchers, mortars, and even non-lethal payloads like tear gas.
The presentation of the intercepted drone underscores the evolving dynamics of modern warfare and accentuates India's readiness in countering drone and missile threats. Operation Sindoor represented one of the most intense military standoffs between India and Pakistan in recent years, concluding after four days of conflict when both nations agreed to cease military engagements.
