In retaliation to the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed lives of 26 civilians, the Indian Army launched precision strikes on terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The operation, officially dubbed as Operation Sindoor, marked a significant shift in India’s tactical capabilities and showcased a new class of weaponry. The country reportedly used indigenously-built “suicide drones" in carrying out the mission.
What Are Suicide Drones?
The drones used in the strikes are officially known as Low-Cost Miniature Swarm Drones or Loitering Munition Systems (LMS). Developed jointly by Bengaluru-based Alpha Design and Israel’s Elbit Systems, the 'SkyStriker' is the variant believed to have been deployed. Unlike traditional UAVs, loitering munitions can hover over a target area before locking onto a target and striking with high precision.
Each SkyStriker drone can carry a 5 kg or 10 kg warhead and has an operational range of approximately 100 kilometers. It uses electric propulsion, making it nearly silent and ideal for low-altitude, covert operations. Designed to locate, track, and destroy operator-designated targets, the SkyStriker combines the flight characteristics of a drone with the destructive force of a missile.
According to defence sources cited by The Times of India, the Army had placed an emergency procurement order for around 100 of these drones in 2021. They are produced in an industrial facility in western Bengaluru and are considered cost-effective tools for precise strikes, especially against non-conventional threats.
The SkyStriker provides troops, including special forces, with the ability to conduct real-time reconnaissance and direct strikes without exposing personnel to risk.
However, India has not officially confirmed the deployment of these drones.
