Indian Army to Acquire Kamikaze Drones Worth ₹1,577 Crore Amid Push to Be Global Hub

The Indian Army is set to significantly bolster its precision strike capabilities with the acquisition of loitering munitions, commonly known as kamikaze drones. The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts totaling ₹1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Nibe Pvt Ltd for these advanced systems and associated equipment.

This procurement is a crucial step in the army's broader strategy to induct tens of thousands of domestically produced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) over the next five years. The increasing impact of drones in modern warfare, as evidenced in global conflicts, has prompted India to enhance its battlefield readiness. The ministry emphasized that the loitering munition system is vital for artillery regiments, promising to boost overall operational effectiveness.

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The loitering munition system is critical equipment that can enhance the capability of artillery regiments and boost the overall operational effectiveness of the Indian Army.

Procured from Indian vendors under the 'Buy Indian' initiative through a fast-track procedure, this deal underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The army's requirement spans a wide array of 80 different types of unmanned systems, designed for roles including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, precision strikes, and logistics, as outlined in a roadmap unveiled in April.

This initiative aligns with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's ambitious goal for India to position itself as a global hub for drone manufacturing by 2030. The roadmap details the need for various UAS, including high-altitude long-endurance systems, pseudo-satellites, and unmanned air littoral systems for diverse surveillance missions. Furthermore, the army is seeking loitering munitions for different ranges, drone swarms, and first-person view drones with strike capabilities, reflecting a comprehensive approach to integrating unmanned technology into its forces.

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Procured from Indian vendors under the ‘Buy Indian’ scheme through a fast-track procedure, this initiative will further strengthen the vision of self-reliance in defence.