India develops its own 'kamikaze drones', to be inducted into armed forces in 2024

The one common factor connecting the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war is how the warring countries have been prolifically using 'kamikaze' drones or loitering aerial munitions (LAM), changing the game of modern warfare.

Sensing the importance of being equipped with such killer drones, India has been working with local manufacturers to come up with indigenously developed kamikaze drones.

According to a report by The Week magazine, Bengaluru-based aerospace company Kadet Defence Systems in collaboration with the Defence Research Development Organisation has developed India's first Loitering Aerial Munitions for the armed forces under a unique Development cum Production Partner (DCPP) model.

Multiple versions of the drones are being developed to meet different operational requirements with weight varying from 15 kg to 120 kg with explosives payloads of 2 to 40 kg, according to The Week.

The biggest version of the drone can loiter for about 12 hours.

“The LAM systems encompass a diverse array of cutting-edge technologies, including Canister Aerial Loitering Munition (CALM), Combat UAVs with stand-off capabilities for munition release, Tactical VTOL UAVs, and a versatile mix of systems capable of swarming and manned-unmanned teaming operations,” a release from the Kadet Defence Systems said.

While the company has already inked a contract for the delivery of over 50 such systems in 2024, it can scale up production to deliver an estimated 5,000 within the next 2-3 years.

The market size of LAMs in India is estimated to be around Rs 15,000 crore.

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