In a significant move to bolster its combat capabilities, the Indian Army is poised to acquire approximately 850 kamikaze (loitering) drones, drawing lessons from the recent Operation Sindoor. This procurement aims to enhance both the Armed Forces and Special Forces, allowing for more effective operational strategies.
Defence sources have indicated that the proposal for this acquisition has reached an advanced stage and is expected to gain approval during an upcoming high-level Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting slated for the end of the month. The drones, along with their associated launchers, will be sourced from domestic manufacturers, aligning with India’s ongoing initiative for self-sufficiency in defense production.
Current operations of the Indian Army include a diverse array of loitering munitions sourced from various suppliers. The Army plans to induct nearly 30,000 such systems in the foreseeable future to equip all combat formations across the three military services. This substantial investment underscores a strategic shift towards advanced unmanned capabilities.
To implement this new operational framework, each Army infantry battalion is set to include an ‘Ashni’ platoon dedicated to drone operations. This specialized unit will focus on precision strikes against enemy positions in addition to providing support in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism missions.
The application of drones during Operation Sindoor highlighted their potential effectiveness. In retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, Indian forces utilized drones to target terrorist headquarters within Pakistan. The first day of the operation saw the successful neutralization of seven out of nine identified enemy targets.
The strikes led to substantial enemy casualties and inflicted considerable damage on opposing infrastructure along the border. The use of loitering munitions also became critical when Pakistani forces intervened in defense of terrorist elements.
The planned large-scale acquisition of kamikaze drones marks a fundamental advancement in the Indian Army’s ability to execute precision-strike operations, enhance surveillance, and engage in asymmetric warfare. This initiative also reflects the increasing significance of unmanned systems in contemporary military operations, reinforcing an evolving paradigm in conflict strategies.
