SOURCE: AFI
India’s state-owned National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has recently unveiled an indigenous kamikaze drone, a significant advancement in the country’s defense technology. According to a report by NDTV, this drone is equipped with a home-built engine, enabling it to cover a distance of up to 1,000 kilometers.
The kamikaze drone, a crucial addition to India’s unmanned aerial capabilities, measures approximately 2.8 meters in length with a wingspan of 3.5 meters. Weighing around 120 kilograms, it can carry an explosive payload of 25 kilograms. The drone is powered by a 30 HP Wankel engine, which allows it to maintain a maximum speed of 180 kilometers per hour while flying continuously for up to 1,000 kilometers.
One of the standout features of this indigenous drone is its ability to operate effectively in GPS-denied environments, a vital capability for modern warfare. The drone can navigate using India’s NAViC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system, ensuring accurate targeting and mission success even in the absence of global positioning signals.
Visually, the drone features a design that includes canards and a cropped delta-wing shape, with a central fuselage seamlessly blending into the wings. This aerodynamic structure likely enhances its maneuverability and stability during flight.
This development marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to bolster its self-reliance in defense technology. The indigenous kamikaze drone not only showcases NAL’s engineering prowess but also contributes to the nation’s strategic capabilities, aligning with the broader goal of enhancing indigenous defense manufacturing.