Turkey Denies Military Aid to Pakistan Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

Turkey has strongly denied claims that it sent military equipment to Pakistan amidst rising tensions with India. Recently, social media and some Indian news outlets reported that up to six Turkish C-130E Hercules planes landed in Pakistan with combat supplies. However, the Turkish government clarified that “a cargo plane from Turkey landed in Pakistan for refueling and then continued on its way. Speculative news not from official sources should not be trusted,” according to a statement from the Turkish Presidency.

The aircraft was spotted flying over the Arabian Sea on April 28, sparking speculations about secret arms deliveries to Pakistan. Flight tracking information was shared by open-source intelligence sources to support these claims. Nonetheless, Turkey insists that the landing was standard procedure.

These denials come during a tense period as India and Pakistan face increasing tensions after a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Historically, India has taken military action following similar incidents, like the attacks in Uri and Pulwama in 2016 and 2019. Due to these fears, Pakistan’s military has reportedly moved equipment into its controlled Kashmir region and activated key air bases at Pensi, Skardu, and Swat.

This tense situation is what made the claims about Turkish arms deliveries seem believable, leading to strong reactions online, particularly from Indian observers.

Turkey and Pakistan: A Strong Defense Partnership
Turkey has denied any new arms deliveries but has a long defense relationship with Pakistan. A report from SIPRI in March 2025 showed that 10% of Turkish arms exports between 2020 and 2024 went to Pakistan. Their cooperation includes producing weapons together, sharing technology, and trading various military hardware. Notably, Pakistan has purchased Turkish drones, including the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci, which is a long-endurance combat drone. The first batch was delivered in 2023.

The two countries are also working on a fifth-generation fighter jet called KAAN and discussed establishing a production facility in Pakistan. They are also considering developing helicopters and advanced missile systems together.

Naval Collaboration and Submarine Upgrades
Turkey has aided Pakistan’s navy by delivering four MILGEM-class corvettes, the last one being PNS Tariq in August 2023. Turkey has also modernized Pakistan’s old submarines and worked on co-designing major naval ships, including a fleet tanker constructed in Karachi.

Missiles, Munitions, and Military Innovation
In 2023, Pakistan bought anti-tank missiles and AI-powered cruise missiles from Turkish companies, integrating them into its drone fleet. Both countries are collaborating more on missile technology, particularly short-range and beyond-visual-range systems.

Turkey’s Political Support to Pakistan
Beyond military support, Turkey has backed Pakistan diplomatically, especially regarding Kashmir. After a recent meeting, Turkish President Erdoğan called for United Nations involvement to solve the Kashmir issue. Immediately after the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan’s Prime Minister thanked Erdoğan for Turkey’s continued support on Kashmir, highlighting their strong bond.

Clouds over South Asia
While Turkey denies sending new arms to Pakistan, the rumors spotlight the deepening ties between the two nations. Meanwhile, with China also providing military aid to Pakistan, the security situation in South Asia is changing rapidly. Though Turkey’s denial has temporarily calmed speculation, the underlying partnerships continue to develop.