The conflict between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir is taking on a new technological dimension, with both sides actively using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in combat along the Line of Control. According to international media, Indian forces are using Israeli-made drones, while Pakistan is relying on Turkish technology, making the standoff a showcase of modern weaponry. The intensive use of UAVs has caused significant destruction and is raising tensions in the region.

According to Al Jazeera, the Indian armed forces have been actively using Harop loitering munitions, developed by the Israeli concern Israel Aerospace Industries, on the contact line. These drones, capable of staying in the air for up to six hours, are designed to destroy enemy air defense systems. Upon detecting a target, Harop switches to kamikaze mode, attacking the object at high speed. The Pakistani military has announced the interception of about 20 such drones, and footage of the wreckage of Israeli drones shot down in border areas has appeared on social networks. However, as The Times of India reports, Harop has already caused significant damage: one of the drones damaged the launcher of the Chinese HQ-9 air defense system, which is in service with Pakistan. Another hit was recorded by eyewitnesses near the Lahore airport, where a drone destroyed a military facility.

Pakistan, in turn, actively uses Turkish Songar UAVs, as reported at a briefing by Indian Army Colonel Sophia Qureshi. This low-altitude quadcopter with a range of up to 10 kilometers is equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers or light missiles, which makes it a universal tool for reconnaissance and the destruction of light equipment and infrastructure. According to Qureshi, Indian air defense forces have successfully intercepted most of the Pakistani drones, but their massive use poses a serious threat. Turkish media, including Anadolu Agency, emphasize that Songar has become an important element of Pakistan's military strategy, demonstrating the export success of the Turkish defense industry.

The escalation of the conflict with the use of high-tech weapons is alarming the international community. According to Reuters, since the beginning of 2025, the number of incidents on the line of control has increased sharply, and the use of drones makes military actions more unpredictable. Experts note that drones allow the parties to carry out pinpoint strikes, minimizing direct losses among personnel, but increase the risk of accidental casualties among the civilian population. The UN called on India and Pakistan to immediately de-escalate, but diplomatic initiatives have not yielded results so far.

The humanitarian consequences are compounding the situation. According to The Guardian, Jammu and Kashmir has seen widespread power outages and local hospitals are overwhelmed with victims. Aid agencies are struggling to deliver food and medical supplies due to blocked roads and ongoing fighting. Videos of the destruction caused by drone strikes have been shared on social media, fuelling public anger in both countries.