Why India is Procuring 850 Kamikaze Drones Following Operation Sindoor: A Turning Point in Modern Warfare
In the wake of Operation Sindoor—the brief but intense military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025—India’s armed forces have accelerated efforts to integrate advanced unmanned systems into their arsenal. A key development is the Indian Army’s fast-tracked procurement of approximately 850 indigenous kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, in a deal valued at around ₹2,000 crore (roughly $240 million). This acquisition, expected to receive clearance from the Defence Acquisition Council soon, reflects lessons learned from the operation and marks a strategic shift toward drone-centric warfare.
The Catalyst: Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as India’s direct response to the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In that assault, Pakistan-backed militants killed 26 civilians in a targeted attack that heightened tensions along the Line of Control. India conducted precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeting facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including high-profile sites in Punjab province—areas not hit since the 1971 war.
The four-day conflict (May 7–10) involved missile strikes, airstrikes, and extensive drone operations. Indian forces emphasized “calculated force,” destroying terror launchpads and headquarters while avoiding broader escalation into full-scale war. Drones proved instrumental, enabling real-time surveillance, deep strikes on high-value targets, and coordinated attacks that minimized risks to personnel and collateral damage. Pakistan retaliated with attempted drone incursions and other measures, but the conflict ended with a ceasefire agreement via hotline communications between the Directors General of Military Operations on May 10.
The operation highlighted drones’ effectiveness in asymmetric and precision warfare, drawing parallels to their decisive role in conflicts like Ukraine-Russia. Indian military leaders noted that unmanned systems allowed for strategic clarity—punishing perpetrators without provoking nuclear thresholds—while demonstrating technological superiority.
Lessons Driving the Procurement
The success of drones in Operation Sindoor directly informed the decision to acquire 850 kamikaze drones under fast-track procedures. These systems, sourced entirely from domestic manufacturers, will equip not only the Army but also the Indian Air Force, Navy, and special forces. The procurement includes launchers and is part of a broader modernization drive, with plans to induct up to 30,000 loitering munitions across formations in phases.
Key drivers include:
- Enhanced Operational Readiness: The Army’s experience showed drones’ value in neutralizing terror networks deep inside enemy territory. Future operations against cross-border threats will rely more heavily on such capabilities for decisive, low-risk responses.
- Multi-Domain Integration: The drones support integrated units, including specialized formations like the “Ashni Platoon” for drone operations. This cross-service approach strengthens overall firepower, reconnaissance, and strike potential.
- Push for Self-Reliance: Aligning with the “Make in India” initiative, the deal reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and builds on recent inductions of indigenous drones worth over ₹5,000 crore post-Sindoor.
- Deterrence Against Future Threats: By expanding drone fleets, India signals a proactive doctrine: any act of terrorism will face assured, proportionate retaliation, regardless of nuclear posturing.
The Game-Changer: Kamikaze Drones in Modern Warfare
Kamikaze drones, or loitering munitions, combine surveillance with lethal precision. They can hover over targets, use sensors and AI for identification, and then self-destruct on impact, delivering explosive payloads accurately. Unlike traditional missiles or manned aircraft, they offer:
- High precision with minimal collateral damage, including mission-abort options if circumstances change.
- Cost-effectiveness, enabling mass deployment and swarm tactics to overwhelm defenses.
- Reduced risk to human operators through remote control.
- Versatility in asymmetric conflicts, as demonstrated in recent global battles.
In Operation Sindoor, these attributes allowed India to execute targeted strikes that disrupted terror operations effectively. The upcoming acquisition positions India as a leader in adopting drone technology for border security and counter-terrorism, potentially reshaping regional dynamics amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan and strategic challenges elsewhere.
This move underscores India’s commitment to technological edge and self-reliance, ensuring that future responses to provocations are swifter, smarter, and more effective. As the Indian Army Chief has emphasized, operations like Sindoor remain ongoing in spirit—ready to deliver resolute action when needed.
About The Author
