The Indian Army has received a major technological upgrade with the induction of hundreds of kamikaze drones supplied by a Gujarat-based company, InsideFPV. These drones have been delivered under a ₹10 crore contract awarded by the Ministry of Defence through an emergency procurement route. The agreement was signed in December last year, and the company completed the delivery within two months, showing a fast turnaround to meet urgent operational needs.

The exact number of drones provided to the Army’s Northern Command has not been disclosed due to security reasons. These drones are designed for modern warfare and are capable of carrying out precision strikes by destroying themselves upon impact with the target. Their deployment reflects the Army’s increasing focus on advanced unmanned systems for tactical operations in challenging environments.

These kamikaze drones come with advanced features that enhance their battlefield effectiveness. They are powered by artificial intelligence and can carry out autonomous precision strikes with real-time targeting. The drones can reach speeds of up to 120 km per hour and operate at a maximum altitude of 2.5 km above ground level. They have an operational range of 10 km and can carry a payload of up to 2.5 kg. Their compact design allows easy deployment in frontline areas where quick response is critical.

The drones are mainly intended for high-risk missions. They can be used for surgical strikes, especially in situations where conventional forces may find it difficult to operate. They are useful in targeting insurgent hideouts, responding to emerging threats, and neutralising both fortified and moving targets located deep inside enemy territory. Their ability to deliver precise payloads makes them effective in complex combat scenarios.

One of the key strengths of these drones is their ability to operate in extreme conditions. The systems have been designed to function in harsh environments, including temperatures as low as -35 degrees Celsius. They can also perform in GPS-denied zones where navigation systems are often disrupted or unavailable. This makes them highly suitable for operations in mountainous regions and other difficult terrains.

InsideFPV, which specialises in first-person view (FPV) drone technology, has built these systems to offer immersive control to operators. FPV drones provide real-time video feed through onboard cameras, allowing precise manoeuvring during missions. According to Arth Chowdhary, chief executive officer of InsideFPV, “the systems are engineered to function reliably in temperatures as low as -35°C.”

The drones are equipped with several advanced operational features. These include waypoint-based navigation, multi-step safety mechanisms, and detonation triggers that ensure controlled execution of missions. These features help maintain both effectiveness and safety during deployment and handling.

This deal also highlights a broader shift in India’s defence strategy. The government is increasingly focusing on boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign technologies. Indigenous companies like InsideFPV are playing an important role in supplying advanced defence equipment quickly and at scale. The successful delivery of these drones shows the growing capability of Indian firms in developing high-end military technology.

Overall, the induction of these kamikaze drones marks a significant step in strengthening the Indian Army’s tactical capabilities. With their ability to operate in extreme weather, navigate without GPS, and deliver precise strikes, these systems are expected to play a crucial role in future combat operations.