The Indian Army is set to significantly expand its unmanned combat capabilities with the planned procurement of 850 kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, in a deal valued at around ₹2,000 crore, according to sources cited by ANI. The proposal is at an advanced stage and is expected to be taken up by the Defence Acquisition Council in an upcoming meeting.
The procurement will be carried out under a fast-track acquisition process, with a strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing, aligning with India’s push for defence self-reliance. Along with the drones, the Army is also expected to procure associated launch systems and support equipment from domestic defence firms.
Beyond this immediate purchase, the Army has drawn up plans to eventually induct nearly 30,000 loitering munitions of different ranges and capabilities. These systems are intended to equip all frontline combat formations, including infantry, mechanised units and specialised forces, marking a structural shift in how the Army conducts surveillance and precision strikes on the battlefield.
Why loitering munitions matter
Loitering munitions are unmanned systems that combine the roles of surveillance drones and guided missiles. They can hover over an area for extended periods, identify targets in real time and strike with high precision once authorised. Their use reduces risk to soldiers and allows rapid response against enemy positions, armour or terrorist hideouts.
Drones and munitions currently used by the Army
The Indian Army already operates a diverse mix of unmanned systems, including:
• Surveillance UAVs such as Searcher and Heron drones for long-endurance reconnaissance
• Tactical and mini drones used by infantry units for battlefield awareness
• Early loitering munitions, deployed in limited numbers for precision strikes
• Logistics and quad-copter drones for resupply and situational monitoring in difficult terrain
These systems have seen growing use along sensitive borders and in counter-terror operations, helping commanders make faster and more accurate decisions.
The latest procurement fits into India’s wider strategy to become a major drone power. Over the past few years, the government has eased drone rules, supported startups and encouraged the armed forces to source systems domestically. The focus is now on scaling production, improving range and payload, and integrating drones into regular combat units rather than treating them as niche assets.
With the planned induction of thousands of loitering munitions, the Army is signalling a move toward technology-driven warfare, where unmanned systems play a central role in surveillance, deterrence and precision strike operations.
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