SOURCE: AFI
Dynauton Systems, a division of Dynamatic Technologies Limited, is gearing up to showcase an innovative addition to India’s defense arsenal at Aero India 2025. The company will present “Kaatil,” India’s first jet-based loitering munition, showcasing India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense technology.
Kaatil, translating to “killer” in Hindi, is a revolutionary loitering munition designed and developed domestically by Dynauton Systems. Unlike traditional loitering munitions, Kaatil is equipped with landing gear, allowing it to take off like a conventional UAV. This feature adds flexibility to its operational capabilities, enabling reuse under certain conditions.
With a takeoff weight of 12 kilograms, Kaatil is relatively lightweight yet packs a punch with a payload capacity of 1 kilogram. Its design incorporates a wingspan of 2 meters, which, combined with its jet propulsion, allows it to achieve impressive speeds of up to 600 kmph. This speed is a significant advantage over traditional propeller-driven loitering munitions, offering quicker response times and the ability to engage targets over a wider area.
Kaatil is characterized as a “fire and forget” system, meaning once launched, it can autonomously navigate to and strike its target without further human intervention. This capability is particularly crucial in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) denied environments, where traditional navigation systems might be compromised. Kaatil’s built-in navigation system ensures it can still execute missions with high precision.
The endurance of Kaatil stands at 16 minutes at its Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW), providing sufficient time for loitering over a target area before executing a strike. Its precision strike capability is highlighted by a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 2 meters, making it one of the most accurate loitering munitions available, ideal for targeting high-value assets with minimal collateral damage.
This loitering munition is designed for autonomous operations, capable of performing precision strikes without any need for human input after launch. This autonomy is a significant leap forward in combat technology, reducing the risk to human operators while enhancing the effectiveness of military operations in contested environments.
Kaatil’s introduction into the Indian defense ecosystem is expected to have far-reaching implications, from tactical engagements to strategic deterrence, offering the armed forces a versatile tool that can adapt to various combat scenarios. With its speed, precision, and autonomous capabilities, Kaatil could redefine how India approaches aerial combat and precision strikes.
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