In a significant move to enhance its high-speed strike capabilities, reports suggest the Indian Army has officially acquired dozens of Berkut-BM kamikaze drones from Belarus. These jet-powered loitering munitions represent a major shift in tactical warfare for India. Specifically, they offer a combination of speed and range that traditional propeller-driven drones cannot match.
This acquisition comes on the heels of Operation Sindoor, where drone technology played a decisive role in neutralising cross-border threats. By adding the Berkut-BM to its inventory, the Indian Army is signaling its intent to dominate the modern, high-tech battlefield.
The Need for Speed
The Berkut-BM is not your average surveillance drone. Unlike the slower, propeller-based models typically used for border monitoring, the Berkut-BM is powered by a turbojet engine. This propulsion system allows it to reach blistering speeds of up to 410 kmph.
Why does speed matter? In a combat scenario, speed reduces the reaction time available to enemy air defense systems. A drone traveling at over 400 kmph is much harder to intercept than a standard UAV. Consequently, the Berkut-BM can penetrate contested airspace more effectively, striking high-value targets before the enemy can deploy countermeasures.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Propulsion: Turbojet Engine
- Maximum Speed: 410 kmph
- Operational Range: 150 km
- Mission Profile: One-way “Kamikaze” (Suicide) strike
- Targeting: High-precision autonomous or manual guidance
150 km of Lethal Precision
With an operational range of 150 km, the Berkut-BM allows the Indian Army to strike targets deep behind enemy lines. This range is critical for targeting command-and-control centers, fuel depots, and ammunition dumps. Because the drone is compact and portable, it can be launched from various terrains, including the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas.
Furthermore, the Berkut-BM’s 150 km reach complements India’s existing artillery and missile systems. While a missile is expensive and loud, a kamikaze drone is relatively cost-effective and carries a smaller radar signature. Therefore, it provides a “stealthier” option for precision strikes where a full-scale missile launch might be an overreaction or too easily detected.
Lessons from Operation Sindoor
The decision to acquire the Berkut-BM is deeply rooted in the lessons learned during Operation Sindoor in late 2025. During that operation, the Indian Army utilized loitering munitions to strike seven out of nine terrorist targets on the very first day. The operation proved that drones are no longer just “eyes in the sky”, they are the “tip of the spear.”
The Berkut-BM fills a specific gap identified during recent skirmishes. While indigenous drones like the Nagastra are excellent for short-range infantry support, the Army required a jet-powered variant for long-range, high-speed interceptions. Consequently, the Belarusian Berkut-BM was chosen to provide an immediate technological edge while domestic jet-drone programs continue to mature.
Imports vs. Indigenous Growth
Some may question the purchase of foreign drones during the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) era. However, defense analysts argue that such acquisitions are necessary “stop-gap” measures. Currently, the Indian Army is moving toward a target of inducting 30,000 loitering munitions.
While India is developing indigenous jet drones, the Berkut-BM provides a proven, battle-ready platform today. Moreover, this acquisition allows Indian engineers to study jet-powered UAV integration. It is a strategic balance between immediate security needs and long-term domestic goals. While sometimes, some deals don’t make sense,
one can also argue the grounds on which this specific deal is being finalised. In an era of startups where India has
dozen drone startups to name a few. Instead of capacity building, purchasing loitering munitions from Belarus, a
not so traditional defence partner of India, sounds very foreign to some and rightfully so.
A Name We Don’t Hear Often
The purchase also highlights India’s diversifying defense partnerships. Belarus has a long history of expertise in aerospace and electronic warfare. By collaborating with Minsk, India is ensuring it has access to reliable technology that is not subject to the same political pressures as Western or Chinese systems.
This deal strengthens the growing defense ties between New Delhi and Minsk. Furthermore, it ensures that the Indian Army has a steady supply of high-tech hardware at a time when global supply chains for drone components are increasingly strained.
In conclusion, the induction of the Berkut-BM jet drones marks a turning point for the Indian Army. With a speed of 410 kmph and a 150 km range, these drones provide a level of tactical lethality that was previously unavailable to infantry units. They are fast, precise, and nearly impossible to stop once they are in their terminal dive.
As warfare moves toward “swarming” and “unmanned” strategies, the Berkut-BM ensures that India remains ahead of the curve. By combining these foreign-made jet drones with upcoming indigenous systems, the Indian Army is building a multi-layered, unstoppable shield for the 21st century.
About the Author
