India has raised an alert to fortify forward bases and outposts after Turkish defence company STM exported the first Kargu kamikaze drone equipped with a new warhead designed for attacks on enemy vehicles and bunkers to Pakistan.
The upgraded version of the Kargu rotary-wing loitering munition system, now equipped with an armour-piercing warhead, has expanded its role from early surveillance and counter-insurgency tasks to precision-strike missions, with payloads suited to diverse combat environments.
Indian military forward bases and outposts are on high alert in response to Pakistan’s acquisition of the Kargu drone in its new configuration, which allows field personnel to switch between anti-personnel and armour-piercing warheads.
“The Kargu system is designed for rapid deployment and operation, featuring vertical take-off and landing capabilities. Its low radar cross-sectional area reduces the probability of detection. India’s air defence systems are being upgraded and configured to meet the new challenges,” confirmed a senior defence official.
The enhanced Kargu system leverages artificial intelligence and onboard image-processing algorithms to enable real-time target recognition and engagement. It includes autonomous navigation capabilities and offers precision-strike functionality under the “Man-in-the-Loop” principle. The system is intended for use against mobile or stationary land targets, reinforced structures, and armoured vehicles.
The modular design of the Kargu allows operators to swap out warheads in the field, enabling rapid adaptation to mission requirements.
