India Enters the Drone Swarm Game: Make "suicide drones" or "kamikaze drones"

India’s first kamikaze drone developed. Loitering Munitions (LAMs), also known as "suicide drones" or "kamikaze drones."  These drones offer a potentially game-changing capability in modern warfare. The Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict have thrust a new weapon system into the spotlight. A 5,000 units can be made in 2-3 years. Armed forces have already ordered 24 of these suicide drones, to be supplied in 2024. 

What Makes LAMs Deadly?

Long Loiter Time: LAMs can patiently wait over a target area until the perfect moment to strike.

Precision Targeting: They boast high accuracy, minimizing collateral damage.

Adaptability: LAMs can change targets mid-flight or even abort a mission.

India Joins the LAM Race

Kadet Defence Systems, an Indian company, has partnered with the DRDO to develop India's first LAMs.

Key Features of the Indian LAM System:

Multiple versions cater to diverse operational needs, with weight ranging from 15 kg to 120 kg and explosive payloads from 2 kg to 40 kg.

Endurance varies, with the largest version boasting a 12-hour loiter time.

Adaptable to various environments, including deserts, plains, and high altitudes (launch altitude exceeding 5,000 meters).

Launch options include shoulder launch, vehicle launch, with future plans for air launch.

Range extends from 150 km to 300 km with a rocket-assisted launch or a runway-independent hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) system. 

Cutting-Edge Technologies onboard:

Canister Aerial Loitering Munition (CALM)

Combat UAVs with stand-off munition release capabilities

Tactical VTOL UAVs

Systems capable of swarming and manned-unmanned teaming operations

Looking Ahead:

Kadet has already secured a contract for over 50 LAMs in 2024.

Production capacity allows for scaling up to 5,000 units within 2-3 years.

The Indian LAM market is estimated to be worth around Rs 15,000 crore.

India's entry into the LAM market signifies a growing trend in drone warfare. These loitering munitions offer a cost-effective and precise way to engage targets.

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