India plans large-scale induction of Kamikaze drones to strengthen air defence

India is set to significantly enhance its combat and counter-terror capabilities with the planned induction of hundreds of indigenous kamikaze drones across the Army, Navy and Air Force, following operational lessons from recent precision strikes.

India is preparing to induct around 850 new kamikaze, or loitering, drones as part of a broader push to modernise its air defence and battlefield strike capabilities, defence sources said. The proposal, currently at an advanced stage, is expected to receive clearance soon from the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The drones will be procured from domestic manufacturers under fast-track procedures and integrated across the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as special forces units. The move reflects a growing emphasis on indigenous unmanned systems and precision warfare in India’s defence planning.

Focus on army modernisation

Under the plan, the Indian Army will receive the initial tranche of loitering munitions along with dedicated launch systems. The Army already operates several types of such drones and is reportedly working towards a much larger long-term induction to equip frontline formations.

Infantry battalions are expected to be reorganised to include specialised drone platoons responsible for surveillance, target acquisition and precision strikes. These units will also support counterinsurgency and border security operations, enhancing situational awareness and response times.

Loitering munitions are designed to hover over target areas, identify threats and strike with high accuracy, making them particularly effective against fortified positions, mobile targets and high-value assets.

Lessons from recent operations

The proposed induction follows the extensive use of drones during recent counter-terror operations, where unmanned platforms played a key role in striking hostile infrastructure and monitoring enemy movements. Defence planners see these systems as force multipliers that reduce risks to personnel while delivering precise firepower.

Officials said the success of drone-based operations has reinforced the need to rapidly scale unmanned capabilities. The latest procurement is part of a broader strategy to strengthen India’s layered air defence, improve battlefield dominance and stay prepared for evolving security challenges along its borders.