The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated a major programme to develop and manufacture indigenous long-range kamikaze drones in collaboration with Indian companies and startups. The move is aimed at strengthening the country's preparedness for future drone-centric warfare while promoting self-reliance in defence production.
The project focuses on building a complete domestic ecosystem covering the design, development, manufacturing and sustainment of one-way attack unmanned aerial systems (OWA-UAS), commonly known as kamikaze drones.
Focus on indigenous design and manufacturing
To kickstart the programme, the IAF has issued a limited tender to select Indian firms capable of developing the platform within the country.
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The tender states, “invitation of bids for indigenous design, development, setting up of manufacturing facilities and training for unmanned aerial systems”.
The project will be managed by the 5 Base Repair Depot (BRD) at Sulur near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, which has been designated as the nodal agency. The initiative is part of the broader push towards Atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing, per a report by The Times of India.
Kamikaze drones are designed to fly towards a target, identify enemy positions and destroy themselves upon impact. Their growing role in modern conflicts has made them a key component of future military operations.
IAF to retain intellectual property rights
According to the specifications, the IAF will retain Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the drone platform. The system is expected to be designed, developed and manufactured entirely in India with support from domestic industry partners.
The proposed drones should be capable of operating at altitudes of up to 16,000 feet and function effectively during both day and night missions. The project is also expected to enable quicker upgrades, modifications and customisation based on operational requirements.
Recently, Defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of drone technology, saying that ongoing global conflicts have demonstrated the growing significance of drones and counter-drone systems in modern warfare.
Larger drone push underway
The indigenous kamikaze drone project comes as the defence ministry advances another major unmanned systems programme.
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At least 10 bids have been submitted by Indian public and private sector firms for a Rs 30,000-crore project to manufacture 87 medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles for the IAF. The drones are expected to be used for surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions, further strengthening India's indigenous defence capabilities.
FAQs:
What are kamikaze drones?
They are one-way attack drones that destroy themselves after striking a target.
Why is the IAF developing indigenous kamikaze drones?
To strengthen future warfare capabilities and boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
