The Indian Army received "hundreds of kamikaze" drones from a Gujarat-based deep-tech drone firm InsideFPV.
Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, are unmanned systems that can hover over a target area before striking and destroying it by crashing into it with an explosive payload. InsideFPV is a Surat-based defence-tech startup that has been manufacturing fast, low-cost tactical drones for military and civilian use.
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The Indian Army's Northern Command took the delivery of the drones. The exact number of drones that the Indian Army received has not been divulged by either the force or the company due to security reasons.
According to a Times of India report, the delivery was part of a Rs 10 crore contract that the drone technology manufacturer signed with the defence ministry under its emergency procurement route (EPR).
"Our Kamikaze and FPV systems were engineered specifically for India's harshest deployment environments, functioning reliably in temperatures dropping to -35°C, " Arth Chowdhary, CEO, InsideFPV, was quoted as saying, adding, "Executing this order in just two months proves that we can meet the ministry of defence's exact operational timelines without compromising on volume or precision."
Media reports suggest that the order was delivered in a time of two months.
What the company says about its drones
According to the company, the Kamikaze drones feature advanced sensors and guidance systems for pinpoint target identification and minimal collateral damage.
Ideal for complex urban environments and remote areas, these drones excel in combat missions, the company stated.
They also gather real-time intelligence on enemy positions, enhancing operational planning. In counterterrorism, kamikaze drones offer a proactive approach to threat neutralization without endangering civilians.
"Cost-effective and rapidly deployable, they represent a pivotal advancement in modern military technology, integrating AI and ensuring their relevance in evolving warfare strategies," the company said.
A force-multiplier
These drones offer the force the capacity to deliver pinpoint strikes at a fraction of the cost of missiles or air sorties, making high-precision warfare accessible even at scale. As these suicide drones are capable of loitering, identifying targets, and striking instantly, they enable the force to adapt to the constantly evolving battlefield conditions.