Chinese, Turkish military aircraft land at Pakistan's Nur Khan, Masroor bases in 60-hour surge

A significant rise in military air traffic from China and Türkiye into Pakistan over a span of about 60 hours has raised new concerns about potential transfers of defence equipment to Islamabad.

Indian security sources have told a news channel that large military transport planes made several trips to Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan near Rawalpindi and Masroor in Karachi.

According to security sources cited by CNN-News18, Chinese military transport planes were seen landing at Pakistan’s Nur Khan airbase near Rawalpindi as well as at Masroor airbase in Karachi.

Turkish military transport aircraft, including one identified as TUAF526, were also part of the increased activity.

The sources suggested that the aircraft movements were linked to the transportation of military equipment, including drones and other defence-related materials.

The scale and intensity of the flights have led to speculation that the activity might indicate a large-scale logistical effort rather than regular military exchanges, as noted by security analysts.

The airlifts are ‘unusual’ and have heightened India’s vigilance. Security sources told CNN-News18 that the concentration of heavy military aircraft over the 60 hours was unusual, suggesting it might point to a large-scale logistical initiative rather than routine military traffic.

The reported activity occurs amid an expanding defence relationship between Pakistan, China, and Türkiye.

Pakistan has long depended on China for military supplies, including combat aircraft, air-defence systems, and unmanned platforms.

The relationship has grown stronger since last year’s military conflict between India and Pakistan, with China acknowledging that its aviation personnel provided technical support to Pakistan during the conflict.

Türkiye, on the other hand, has become a significant defence partner for Islamabad, especially in the areas of drones, naval systems, and aerospace technology.

In May, Pakistan's air chief participated in high-level meetings in Türkiye focused on defence, aerospace innovation, unmanned systems, and emerging technologies.

Turkish defence observers and aviation monitoring sources reported that a Turkish Air Force Airbus A400M strategic transport aircraft recently flew from Istanbul and landed at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Murid Airbase, drawing attention from regional defence analysts.

While the exact contents of the flight remain unconfirmed, aviation tracking and defence experts report that the heavy transport was carrying drone-related cargo intended to enhance the operator’s unmanned aerial fleet.

The choice of destination carries significant geopolitical weight, as the facility has a notable history.

PAF Murid, located in the Chakwal district of Punjab, serves as a key operational base for the Pakistan Air Force’s growing fleet of unmanned combat aerial vehicles, including Bayraktar drones.

Notably, the airbase was among the major military facilities targeted and struck by Indian precision weapons, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, during the intense engagements of Operation Sindoor.

The arrival of the Turkish transport aircraft indicates ongoing military-technical collaboration and swift logistical support between Islamabad and Ankara, according to defence analysts.

As air forces place greater emphasis on unmanned systems and networked warfare, the direct shipment of specialised defence equipment to previously attacked operational sites highlights efforts to rebuild and modernise frontline capabilities in the region.

Defence partnerships among Islamabad, Beijing, and Ankara have deepened in recent months.

Earlier this month, Türkiye and Pakistan moved to strengthen their cooperation in fighter-aircraft development.

Turkish officials mentioned that nearly 200 Pakistani engineers and officials were already involved in the development of Türkiye’s KAAN fifth-generation fighter program, while Ankara said discussions would start on formally incorporating Pakistan into the project.

The latest reported airlift follows the signing of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement by Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia on August 7.

The agreement states that an armed attack against one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all three, although officials have clarified that the pact is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any specific nation.

Against this backdrop, any sustained movement of military transport aircraft between China, Türkiye, and Pakistan is likely to attract attention, especially if it involves the transfer of drones, weapons, or other military equipment, according to defence analysts.

Technical Assistance, Not Combat Deployment

Meanwhile, Pakistani media and defense analysts there have described the reported airlift as part of ongoing technical assistance and defense cooperation with Pakistan, rather than a combat deployment.

China has acknowledged that its aviation industry personnel provided technical assistance to Pakistan during last year’s India-Pakistan military confrontation.

The reported activity is also notable due to its scale and timing, according to defense analysts.

Pakistan has in recent years increased its use of both Chinese and Turkish unmanned systems.

If the reported airlift is confirmed, it would fit into a broader trend of Pakistan diversifying and strengthening its military supply relationships with China and Türkiye.

Logistical Push or Strategic Surge?

For India, the development could be significant, as it comes after a period in which Islamabad has sought to replenish and upgrade military capabilities while deepening defense partnerships with both countries, said security analysts.

The reported airlift, if confirmed, would therefore fit into a broader pattern of Pakistan diversifying and strengthening its military supply relationships with China and Türkiye.

The reported activity is also notable due to its scale and timing, said regional defense analysts.

Against this backdrop, any sustained movement of military transport aircraft between China, Türkiye, and Pakistan is likely to attract attention, especially if the flights involve the transfer of drones, weapons, or other equipment, said regional defense analysts.