As India prepares to mark its 78th Independence Day, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has unveiled a revolutionary addition to the nation’s defence capabilities: fully indigenous kamikaze drones. These cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), designed for precision strikes against enemy targets, represent a major leap forward in India’s defence technology.

The newly unveiled Indian Kamikaze drones measure approximately 2.8 meters in length and boast a wingspan of 3.5 meters, with each drone weighing around 120 kilograms. Powered by a 30-horsepower Wankel Engine developed by NAL, these UAVs can achieve speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour. They have a range of up to 1,000 kilometres and are capable of carrying a 25-kilogram explosive payload, positioning them as a formidable asset in any combat situation.

Kamikaze drones, also referred to as loitering munitions, have become increasingly prominent in modern warfare, notably in conflicts such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Ukrainian forces, for example, have employed these drones extensively to target Russian infantry and armoured vehicles. Designed to hover over targeted areas for extended periods, these drones carry explosives and await instructions from human controllers to strike specific objectives. Additionally, they can be used in swarms to overwhelm enemy defences and radars.

The development of these indigenous drones is part of a comprehensive initiative spearheaded by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which has provided in-principle approval for the project. CSIR-NAL is serving as the central laboratory for the endeavour, with collaboration from major engineering laboratories nationwide. This initiative aims to enhance India’s national security by creating a robust and dependable defence technology capable of being deployed across diverse combat scenarios.

Dr. Abhay Pashilkar, Director of NAL and a key figure in the research, highlighted the transformative impact of these drones on modern warfare. He described the fully indigenous kamikaze drones as "a game-changing 21st-century new-age war machine." Dr. Pashilkar elaborated that these loitering munitions will have an endurance of approximately nine hours, enabling them to hover continuously over targeted areas. "Drones of this type, deployed by other nations, have demonstrated significant potential in current global conflicts," he added.

The concept of kamikaze missions, which originated during World War II with Japanese pilots deliberately crashing their planes into Allied forces to maximise damage, has evolved significantly. Today’s kamikaze drones are unmanned and remotely controlled, enabling precise strikes without endangering pilots.

The introduction of these indigenous kamikaze drones represents a pivotal advancement in India’s defence capabilities. As the nation celebrates its Independence Day, this development underscores India's dedication to bolstering national security and advancing technological innovation. With their potential to transform modern warfare, these drones are poised to play a vital role in India's defence strategy, positioning the country at the forefront of global defence technology.

Image source: The Economic Times