Indian Army Kamikaze Drones: ₹2,000 Cr Deal for 850 Units

The Indian Army is set to acquire 850 kamikaze drones worth ₹2,000 crore in a fast-track procurement deal, drawing lessons from Operation Sindoor’s success. Expected to be cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council in late December 2025, this indigenous acquisition will equip all three defence forces with precision strike capabilities.

Indian Army Kamikaze Drones: Strategic Procurement Details

Acquisition Overview

Lessons from Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor demonstrated the effectiveness of kamikaze drones against terrorist targets, with successful strikes against 7 of 9 designated targets inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation’s success convinced military planners that future conflicts will increasingly rely on unmanned precision strike capabilities.

Following this operational validation, each infantry battalion will now establish a specialized “Ashni platoon” dedicated to operating these drones for targeting enemy locations and counterinsurgency operations. This structural transformation ensures every combat unit possesses organic air power without depending on centralized air support.

What Are Kamikaze Drones?

Kamikaze drones, also called loitering munitions, combine surveillance UAV capabilities with guided missile functionality. They loiter over target zones until identifying accurate strike windows, execute precision impacts by diving into targets with onboard warheads, and can abort missions mid-flight if situations change.

These drones hover in the air for extended periods, are adept at precise attacks, and can evade radar detection. Their relatively low cost and tactical flexibility make them attractive for modern military doctrines prioritizing rapid response and asymmetric warfare capabilities while minimizing collateral damage compared to conventional artillery.

Indigenous Manufacturing Push

The 850 kamikaze drones and launchers will be produced domestically by Indian defence firms, reflecting India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) vision. Companies like InsideFPV Ventures and Maharshi Industries are leading development of affordable, high-precision kamikaze drones priced around $400 per unit.

Earlier contracts with Solar Defence and Aerospace for Nagastra-series loitering munitions have underscored India’s growing domestic drone manufacturing ecosystem. This procurement aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers while building indigenous capabilities.

Long-Term Strategic Vision

The Indian Army already operates numerous loitering munitions from different sources and aims to induct nearly 30,000 such systems in the near future to equip all combat formations. This ambitious expansion would position India among Asia’s leading operators of precision strike drone systems.

Analysts suggest such transformation could establish India as a regional leader in precision strike drone deployment, particularly given rapid drone warfare evolution seen in Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts. The integration of thousands of loitering munitions across infantry battalions represents a fundamental shift in Indian military doctrine.

Multi-Service Integration

The procurement will benefit all three services—Army, Navy, and Air Force—plus special forces. This joint utilization ensures standardization, simplified logistics, and cross-service operational synergy. The drones’ versatility makes them suitable for diverse missions from high-altitude border surveillance to maritime interdiction and counterterrorism operations.

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