The Indian Air Force is developing an indigenous long-range kamikaze (suicide/loitering) drone project in an effort to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. According to reporting, the Air Force has invited bids from Indian companies as part of the initiative, which is described as a move toward self-reliance in drone technology. The project also aims to secure full intellectual property rights domestically so that future upgrades can be carried out without depending on external partners.
Separately, reporting also refers to another procurement effort involving 87 long-range UAVs, indicating broader activity in expanding India’s long-range drone capabilities. Together, the articles portray a focus on preparing for future drone-centric warfare, with loitering-munition systems expected to play a role in operational planning.
The sources do not provide detailed technical specifications or timelines for the kamikaze drone programme, but they frame the bid invitation and the emphasis on domestic intellectual property as central elements of the Air Force’s approach.
