800 more kamikaze drones for IAF

The Ministry of Defence is looking to add around 800 kamikaze (self-destruct) drones to the Indian Air Force’s arsenal, with the renewed focus coming just months after the skirmish with Pakistan.

A Request for Information (RFI) — the first step in the procurement process — was issued on Friday seeking responses from vendors. The MoD has classified the requirement as a “swarm unmanned munition system (medium range)” and specified that the platform must be a fixed-wing drone, indicating a broader operational role.

The IAF plans to operate 20 such drones as a swarm, each capable of flying at altitudes of up to 25,000 ft. The system must allow catapult-type launches, enabling rapid deployment of multiple drones in quick succession. The MoD has also sought the capability to launch these drones both from high-altitude areas and from ship decks.

To expand the strike envelope, the MoD wants each drone to operate up to 350 km from its control station, carry at least 30 kg of ammunition, self-destruct on target and also have the option to release munitions before impact.

The platform must include advanced capabilities such as searching, detecting and distinguishing between static and moving targets, as well as locating, identifying and attacking them.

Based on responses to the RFI, the MoD intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) by June 2026 to shortlisted companies for detailed technical and commercial bids. A price negotiation will follow, and once a contract is signed, the MoD expects the entire lot of 800 drones to be delivered within four years.