Divyastra MK3 test flight successful: How this indigenous suicide drone lives up to its name
The jet-engine-powered, precision-strike-capable loitering munition is AI-supported and is a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat's impact
India's defense startup Kawa UAV successfully test-flew the Divyastra Mk3, an indigenous jet-powered loitering munition, marking a significant stride in the nation's self-reliant defense manufacturing. This advanced 'kamikaze' or 'suicide' drone, powered by a domestic jet engine, is designed for precision strikes with enhanced speed and reach. Key advancements include an AI-based target engagement system and long-range capabilities, allowing for autonomous control in complex combat environments. The swift development from program inception to maiden flight within a year underscores India's growing prowess in advanced defense technology.
India's defense startup Kawa UAV successfully test-flew the Divyastra Mk3, an indigenous jet-powered loitering munition, marking a significant stride in the nation's self-reliant defense manufacturing. This advanced 'kamikaze' or 'suicide' drone, powered by a domestic jet engine, is designed for precision strikes with enhanced speed and reach. Key advancements include an AI-based target engagement system and long-range capabilities, allowing for autonomous control in complex combat environments. The swift development from program inception to maiden flight within a year underscores India's growing prowess in advanced defense technology.
India's defense startup Kawa UAV successfully test-flew the Divyastra Mk3, an indigenous jet-powered loitering munition, marking a significant stride in the nation's self-reliant defense manufacturing. This advanced 'kamikaze' or 'suicide' drone, powered by a domestic jet engine, is designed for precision strikes with enhanced speed and reach. Key advancements include an AI-based target engagement system and long-range capabilities, allowing for autonomous control in complex combat environments. The swift development from program inception to maiden flight within a year underscores India's growing prowess in advanced defense technology.
A successful test flight of the Divyastra Mk3, India's indigenously developed next-generation jet-powered loitering munition, was conducted last week in Uttar Pradesh. It was Lucknow-based defence startup Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt) that successfully conducted the test flight on Tuesday, August 11.
Often referred to as a kamikaze drone or suicide drone, a loitering munition is a precision-strike weapon that flies around ("loiters") for extended periods. They scan the ground using onboard cameras or sensors, locate high-value targets, and then make a suicide dive to detonate their warhead upon impact. The Divyastra Mk3 program was launched in early 2026, a report said.
"The Sky Has Changed. INTRODUCING DIVYAASTRA Mk3.... Powered by an indigenous jet engine developed by DG Propulsion, Divyastra Mk3 completed its maiden flight on August 11, 2026. From programme inception to maiden flight in one calendar year. No imported jet engine. No foreign critical subsystem. Built in India. Flown in India. DIVYAASTRA Mk3. Faster. Smarter. Uncompromising. This is more than a flight. This is Atmanirbhar Bharat in action," an official statement by the company said.
Literally, a ‘Divyastra’
The success was declared a major milestone in India's indigenous defence manufacturing by Kawa's management. They asserted that it proves India can conceive, engineer, and fly a jet-powered precision strike system entirely from within its own borders. The use of jet engines reportedly increases its speed and reach, giving it an edge over conventional drone systems.
"This is not merely a test flight; it is a declaration of intent. India has demonstrated, at scale and at speed, that it can conceive, engineer, and fly a jet-powered precision strike system entirely from within its own borders. Divyastra Mk3 is Atmanirbhar Bharat in action," the company's co-founders reportedly told news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, another report said that the Divyastra Mk3 comes with several major improvements over previous variants, including critical subsystems, an AI-based target engagement architecture, and long-range precision strike capability. It is said that its target selection and autonomous control through AI enable the system to remain effective even in complex combat situations—making it live up to its name.