Pakistan finish second of 33 countries at Ankara military drone competition; Captain Talha wins individual silver

Pakistan finished second out of 33 countries at the International Military Drone Team Competition in Ankara, Turkiye, behind the host nation, The Nation reported on 25 October 2026. A Pakistani pilot, Captain Talha, also won silver in the individual event, finishing second among more than 100 pilots.

Final standings

What the teams were tested on

The competition judged technical skill, speed and manoeuvring, with pilots flying drones through demanding obstacle courses. The Nation said Pakistan's team showed strong control and precision throughout. It did not say which service the team came from.

Why it matters

Drones now decide much of modern warfare, from the Middle East to Ukraine. A podium finish against teams such as Italy and France puts Pakistani operators among the best at the event, and the result was trending on Google in Pakistan on Monday.

Pakistan and Turkiye are partners in the Makkah defence pact with Saudi Arabia; read our report on the pact's ratification.

Thinking about a career with drones?

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