The Indian Army is about to purchase 850 kamikaze drones worth about ₹2,000 crore, and the Indian Ministry of Defence is about to make a big procurement decision. This program seeks to improve the strike capabilities of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and special forces groups by learning important lessons from the recent Operation Sindoor.
According to defense insiders, the project has advanced to a point where it is awaiting final clearance from the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) at a high-level meeting scheduled for the final week of December 2025.
The procurement is part of the fast-track process, which allows for quick deployment and indigenization. The Army plans to only purchase these loitering munitions—also referred to as kamikaze drones—and their specialized launchers from local producers. This action, which emphasizes self-reliance in defense technologies despite rising border tensions, is in perfect harmony with the ‘Make in India’ program.
The Indian Army now has a sizable stock of loitering munitions, but it has big intentions to grow. According to sources, the goal is to install close to 30,000 of these devices in the upcoming years, providing all combat formations with state-of-the-art drone warfare capabilities. This scale, which turns infantry units into precision strike platforms, highlights a strategic shift towards drone-centric operations.
Restructuring infantry battalions, each of which will now include an Ashni platoon, is a crucial step. These specialized teams will use the drones for counterinsurgency operations and targeted attacks on enemy sites. With loitering munitions embedded at the battalion level enabling quick reaction and overwhelming firepower, Ashni platoons are an example of a tactical progression.
This procurement was prompted by Operation Sindoor, which was initiated in response to the terror incident in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 fatalities. The Army successfully dismantled terrorist headquarters deep within Pakistan by using drones extensively. Seven of the nine high-value targets that were identified were neutralized on the first day of the operation, proving the effectiveness of loitering munitions in high-stakes cross-border situations.
Beyond their original goals, the drones demonstrated versatility by turning to engage Pakistan Army assets along the Line of Control. According to sources, border infrastructure has been severely damaged and enemy forces have suffered significant fatalities. The Army’s quest for mass induction has been spurred by this practical validation, underscoring the drones’ importance in asymmetric warfare and deterrence.
By design, loitering munitions provide man-in-the-loop precision guidance, prolonged endurance, and autonomous navigation. Before carrying out suicide dives with warheads optimized for armor penetration or structural devastation, they loiter over battlefields, identifying targets. The indigenous models under consideration have endurance of more than two hours, ranges of more than fifty kilometers, and compatibility with electro-optical seekers for day-to-night operations.
Existing systems like the Nagastra-1 and ALS-50, created by companies like Solar Industries and ideaForge, are expanded upon by this acquisition. Along with the drones, the Rs 2,000 crore budget also includes maintenance kits, training simulations, and command network integration. Fast-track standards minimize import dependencies seen in previous purchases by guaranteeing delivery within a year.
From a strategic standpoint, the action closes gaps along the borders of Pakistan and the Line of China where drone swarms may destroy armored columns, artillery, and command posts. It fosters a multi-layered air defense and offensive environment in conjunction with ongoing inductions of Akashteer and swarm drone systems. The combined use of the three systems will improve interoperability, which is essential for theater commanders.
With more than 100 MSMEs ready to supply parts like seekers, motor systems, and airframes, the agreement boosts the domestic economy financially. The goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat are supported by this infusion, which may open up export opportunities to friendly countries that face comparable dangers. Another significant step in India’s development of drone warfare would be the DAC’s approval, which is presided over by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
There are still issues, such as counter-drone tactics such adversaries’ use of electronic warfare jammers. To reduce these threats, the Army’s strategy includes decoy swarms, AI-driven autonomy, and robust frequencies. Performance in disputed electromagnetic conditions has been confirmed by post-Operation Sindoor trials.
In the larger geopolitical backdrop, this procurement shows India’s determination in the face of escalating hostilities with China and Pakistan. Because of the effectiveness of Operation Sindoor, retribution strategies have changed from punitive strikes to persistent drone attrition. The approval of 850 kamikaze drones at the DAC is expected to transform frontline tactics and guarantee the Indian Army’s advantage on contemporary battlefields.
With a focus on high-threat areas, the 850 systems will gradually equip over 700 infantry battalions. Man-portable versions for deep attacks will be available to special troops, increasing surgical accuracy. This acquisition, which is based on operational requirements, puts India at the forefront of domestic loitering munition technology.
