SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Hyderabad-based Raghu Vamsi Machine Tools (RVMT), a leading aerospace and defense manufacturing firm, has announced plans to develop a cutting-edge kamikaze drone, marking a significant step in India’s push for self-reliance in unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The new drone, showcased at a recent industry event, will leverage a hybrid propulsion system combining jet-engine and electric propulsion technologies. Central to this project is the “INDRA RV25:240N,” a fully indigenous micro turbojet engine developed by RVMT, which the company claims offers best-in-class thrust-to-weight ratios. With a projected range of 500 kilometers, the drone aims to bolster India’s defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions, particularly following recent conflicts involving drone warfare.
Raghu Vamsi Machine Tools, known for its precision manufacturing and aerospace components, has positioned itself as a key player in India’s defense sector. During a presentation at the event, RVMT highlighted its comprehensive in-house capabilities for UAV development, encompassing design, simulation, flight dynamics, structural parts, flight controllers, onboard computer systems (OBCS), and wiring harness production. A slide from the presentation, widely shared on X, underscored the company’s holistic approach: “In-house technology development for UAVs, combined with Design, Simulation, Flight dynamics, Structural parts, Flight controllers, OBCS, Wiring Harness capabilities.”
At the heart of the new kamikaze drone is the INDRA RV25:240N, a 100N-thrust micro turbojet engine developed entirely in-house. RVMT claims the engine, weighing just 25 kilograms, delivers superior performance, making it ideal for small, high-speed UAVs. The hybrid propulsion system—pairing the jet engine with electric propulsion—promises to enhance endurance, speed, and efficiency, allowing the drone to achieve a range of approximately 500 kilometers. This combination is particularly suited for kamikaze drones, which require high-speed terminal dives to strike targets while maintaining long-range loitering capabilities.
The unveiling comes at a time when kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, have become a critical asset in modern warfare. India has already made strides in this domain, with firms like NewSpace Research and Technologies developing loitering munitions in collaboration with the Indian armed forces. However, RVMT’s entry into the kamikaze drone space, backed by its fully indigenous micro turbojet engine, signals a broader push under the Make in India initiative to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers like Turkey and China, both of whom have supported Pakistan’s drone warfare efforts.
The INDRA RV25:240N micro turbojet engine is a standout feature of RVMT’s project. Designed and manufactured in Hyderabad, the engine delivers 240N of thrust, making it suitable for high-speed UAV applications. Its lightweight design ensures compatibility with small platforms like kamikaze drones, which require a balance of speed, range, and payload capacity. The hybrid propulsion system, combining the jet engine with electric motors, offers several advantages: the jet engine provides high-speed dash capabilities for terminal strikes, while electric propulsion ensures quieter, more efficient loitering during reconnaissance phases.
With a range of 500 kilometers, the drone can engage targets deep within enemy territory, making it a potential asset for border surveillance, counter-terrorism operations, and precision strikes. RVMT’s focus on in-house development across all subsystems—flight controllers, OBCS, and wiring harnesses—ensures greater control over quality, customization, and security, reducing vulnerabilities associated with foreign components.
The drone’s 500-kilometer range positions it as a competitor to systems like Israel’s Harop and the U.S.-made Switchblade, both widely used globally. Its hybrid propulsion system could provide a tactical edge, enabling flexible mission profiles—long-range reconnaissance followed by high-speed strikes. For the Indian Army and Air Force, such a platform could prove invaluable along the Line of Control (LoC) and in counter-insurgency operations, where precision and stand-off capabilities are critical.
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