Indian Army to Acquire 850 Kamikaze Drones in ₹2,000 Crore Boost to Indigenous Defence Capabilities

New Delhi Chronicle Bureau

New Delhi | 20 December

The Indian Army is set to acquire 850 kamikaze drones in a major defence procurement initiative valued at approximately ₹2,000 crore, marking a significant step in strengthening the Army’s precision strike and surveillance capabilities. The proposal is at an advanced stage and is expected to receive approval from the Defence Acquisition Council in the coming weeks.

Focus on Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

The procurement will prioritise indigenously developed loitering munitions, in line with the government’s Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. These kamikaze drones, along with their launch systems, will be sourced from domestic defence manufacturers, reinforcing India’s push towards self-reliance in critical military technologies.

Loitering munitions combine reconnaissance and strike functions, allowing the system to hover over a target area before executing a precision attack. Their growing importance reflects modern battlefield requirements where speed, accuracy and minimal collateral damage are paramount.

Operational Lessons Driving the Purchase

The move follows extensive operational assessments highlighting the effectiveness of unmanned aerial systems in recent military engagements. Kamikaze drones have emerged as force multipliers, capable of neutralising high-value targets such as enemy positions, armoured assets and fortified structures without exposing soldiers to direct risk.

Integration into Infantry Units

As part of the Army’s modernisation roadmap, these drones are expected to be integrated into frontline formations, with specialised platoons tasked exclusively with unmanned aerial and loitering munition operations. This will enhance the Army’s tactical flexibility across diverse terrains, including border regions and counter-insurgency zones.

Strategic Significance

The induction of 850 kamikaze drones signals a doctrinal shift towards greater reliance on unmanned systems in future conflicts. With regional security dynamics evolving rapidly, the enhanced deployment of loitering munitions is expected to provide the Indian Army with faster response options, improved battlefield awareness and precision strike capability.

Boost for Defence Industry

The ₹2,000 crore acquisition is also expected to provide a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. Domestic companies involved in drone technologies, sensors, propulsion systems and launch mechanisms are likely to benefit, encouraging innovation and long-term capacity building.

Once approved, the deal will represent a significant milestone in the Indian Army’s transformation into a technology-driven force, reinforcing both national security and India’s strategic goal of defence self-sufficiency.