Indian Army to Buy 850 Kamikaze Drones for $2.4B | World Fast 24/7 News
Indian Army to Buy 850 Kamikaze Drones for $2.4B
In a decisive move aimed at strengthening India’s modern warfare capabilities, the Indian Army is set to acquire 850 kamikaze drones worth approximately ₹2000 crore ($2.4 billion) from indigenous manufacturers. The proposal, which is currently at an advanced stage, is expected to receive formal approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) during its meeting scheduled for the last week of December, according to defence sources.
This significant procurement reflects the Indian military’s evolving strategy following key operational lessons learned from Operation Sindoor, where unmanned systems played a critical role in surveillance, targeting, and precision strikes.
What Are Kamikaze Drones?
Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, are a new generation of unmanned aerial weapons designed to hover over a target area before striking with lethal precision. Unlike traditional drones, these systems are built to self-destruct upon impact, making them highly effective against high-value enemy targets such as radar stations, armoured vehicles, and command posts.
Their ability to combine real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) with strike capability has transformed modern battlefields worldwide.
Lessons from Operation Sindoor
The decision to expand the Army’s kamikaze drone fleet comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Armed Forces extensively studied the effectiveness of unmanned and semi-autonomous systems. The operation highlighted the growing importance of precision warfare, minimal collateral damage, and rapid response capabilities in both conventional and hybrid conflict scenarios.
Defence analysts believe the increased reliance on loitering munitions will significantly reduce risk to personnel while enhancing strike accuracy in hostile environments.
Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
A key highlight of this acquisition is the Army’s decision to source the drones entirely from indigenous manufacturers. This aligns with the Government of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign defence imports while nurturing a robust domestic defence ecosystem.
Indian defence startups and established public and private sector companies have made notable advancements in drone technology over the past few years. This procurement is expected to provide a major boost to research, innovation, and employment within the country’s defence manufacturing sector.
Strategic Impact on India’s Defence Posture
The induction of 850 kamikaze drones will dramatically enhance the Indian Army’s ability to conduct precision strikes across varied terrains, including deserts, mountains, and dense urban environments. These drones are particularly effective in contested zones where conventional air power may face limitations.
Military experts point out that loitering munitions offer a cost-effective alternative to expensive missile systems while delivering comparable tactical advantages on the battlefield.
Enhanced Border Security
With ongoing security challenges along India’s borders, kamikaze drones will play a crucial role in monitoring hostile movements and neutralising threats swiftly. Their deployment is expected to strengthen deterrence and improve situational awareness in sensitive regions.
Defence Acquisition Council Approval Expected
Sources indicate that the proposal is likely to be cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council in its upcoming meeting later this month. Once approved, the procurement process will move into the execution phase, with deliveries expected to be phased over the coming years.
The acquisition underscores India’s commitment to embracing next-generation warfare technologies while ensuring operational readiness in an increasingly complex global security environment.
Global Context and Future Outlook
Globally, armed forces are rapidly adopting unmanned combat systems as conflicts increasingly demonstrate the effectiveness of drones in modern warfare. India’s move places it among nations investing heavily in autonomous and semi-autonomous weapons systems.
Defence observers believe this procurement could pave the way for further investments in artificial intelligence, swarm drone technology, and integrated battlefield networks in the near future.
As warfare evolves, the Indian Army’s focus on indigenous, high-precision unmanned systems reflects a strategic shift towards agility, innovation, and self-reliance.
Conclusion
The planned acquisition of 850 kamikaze drones marks a watershed moment in India’s defence modernisation journey. By combining operational lessons, indigenous innovation, and strategic foresight, the Indian Army is positioning itself to meet future security challenges with confidence and technological edge.
As the Defence Acquisition Council prepares to take a final call on the proposal, all eyes remain on how this significant investment will reshape India’s unmanned warfare capabilities in the years ahead.
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