If you’ve been following developments in military technology, you’ve likely come across the term kamikaze drones. These aren’t your typical drones buzzing around for photos or deliveries.
Kamikaze drones are specially designed to fly into a target and explode. Thus, it effectively destroys both the drone and the target. It’s a bold concept with serious implications for modern warfare.
But here’s the catch: these drones come in different sizes, mainly 7-inch, 10-inch, and 15-inch varieties. Each size has its own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding which drone suits your mission can make a big difference in the outcome.
Plus, if you’re curious about India’s role as a kamikaze drone country and the developing landscape of combat drones made in India, this blog has you covered.
What Does “Kamikaze Drone” Really Mean?
Let’s start at the beginning.
The phrase kamikaze drone meaning comes from the Japanese word “kamikaze,” meaning “divine wind.” Historically, it referred to WWII pilots who carried out suicide missions by crashing their planes into enemy ships. Today, kamikaze drones carry the same principle: they’re UAVs that crash into a target and detonate, delivering a precise strike without risking a pilot’s life.
Unlike traditional surveillance drones in India that gather intelligence and return to base, kamikaze drones sacrifice themselves in the process. Thus it makes them perfect for high-value targets that need to be neutralized quickly and accurately.
Also read: Why India is betting big on Kamikaze drones
Breaking Down the Sizes: 7-Inch, 10-Inch, and 15-Inch Kamikaze Drones
Let us go through 7, 10, and 15 inch drone sizes to understand which better suits your needs.
The 7-Inch Kamikaze Drone: The Compact Ninja
The 7-inch drone is the smallest of the bunch. You can think of it as the drone equivalent of a ninja. Its small size makes it incredibly agile and difficult to detect, which is perfect for rapid strikes in tight spaces like urban environments.
From insideFPV, here’s what the 7-inch FPV Kamikaze Drone packs:
- Flight Time: 26 minutes (no load), 10 minutes (full load)
- Battery: 6S 5000mAh 40C
- Camera: 480×640 resolution
- Image Transmission: 5.8 GHz, 2W
- Receiver: ELRS 915 MHz
- Operating Temp: -10°C to +40°C
- Max Speed: 30 m/s
- Payload Capacity: Up to 2 kg
- Advantages: Super portable, quick deployment, low kamikaze drone price.
- Ideal use: Quick, stealthy strikes where speed and maneuverability are key.
Because of its small size, it’s often used by special forces and tactical teams who need a discreet strike option without large logistical support.
The 10-Inch Kamikaze Drone: The Versatile Middleweight
If you want a drone that can do a bit of everything, the 10-inch model is your best bet. It balances size, payload, and flight time, making it a popular choice for many mission profiles.
From insideFPV, the 10-inch FPV Kamikaze Drone delivers:
- Flight Time: 29 minutes (no load), 10 minutes (full load)
- Battery: 6S 5000mAh 40C
- Camera: 480×640 resolution
- Image Transmission: 5.8 GHz, 2W
- Receiver: ELRS 915 MHz
- Operating Temp: -10°C to +40°C
- Max Speed: 30 m/s
- Payload Capacity: Up to 3 kg
- Advantages: Flexible use across urban, rural, and mixed terrains.
- Cost: Moderate, offering great value for capabilities.
This size is often seen in active use by various defense forces, including India’s, where versatility is critical.
The 15-Inch Kamikaze Drone: The Heavy Hitter
The 15-inch drone is the largest and packs the most punch. With a longer flight time and a heavier payload, it’s built to take down more fortified or armored targets.
Here are the two configurations offered by insideFPV:
15-Inch FPV Kamikaze Drone:
- Flight Time: 25 minutes (no load), 15 minutes (full load)
- Battery: 8S 16000mAh
- Camera: 1500 TVL FPV Camera
- Image Transmission: 5.8 GHz, 2.5W
- Max Altitude: 5000 meters
- Max Speed: 120 km/h
- Payload Capacity: Up to 7.5 kg
- Additional Features: Supports GPS, thermal imaging camera, and various modular accessories
15-Inch FPV Kamikaze Dropper:
- Same flight specs and speed
- Payload Capacity: Up to 7 kg
- Battery: 8S 12000mAh
- Additional Feature: Equipped with servo mechanics to drop the payload mid-flight
- Advantages: Long endurance, powerful strike capabilities.
- Limitations: Less agile, higher kamikaze drone price, more complex logistics.
This drone is perfect for open battlefields or long-range missions where firepower and endurance matter most.
Also read: Kamikaze drone vs Traditional combat drones
India’s Growing Power in the Kamikaze Drone Space
India is fast becoming a recognized kamikaze drone country thanks to focused investments and homegrown innovation. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been leading the charge with DRDO approved drones tailored to India’s diverse terrain and security needs.
India’s commitment to developing combat drones made in India is part of a broader strategy to enhance national security while improving self-reliance.
From the mountainous borders to desert regions, these drones provide valuable reconnaissance and strike options.
The integration of Indian kamikaze drones alongside surveillance drones India means better coordination on the battlefield. It helps to spot threats and strike them quickly with minimal risk to personnel.
What’s the Price Tag on Kamikaze Drones?
You might wonder about the kamikaze drone price. Well, it varies a lot depending on the size, technology, and payload.
- The 7-inch drones are the most budget-friendly, ideal for quick, tactical use.
- 10-inch drones cost a bit more but deliver great all-round performance.
- 15-inch drones come with a premium price due to their size, sensors, and heavy payload capacity.
India’s domestic drone industry helps keep costs competitive. This is important because imported drones can be expensive and may not always be perfectly suited to Indian operational needs.
Which Kamikaze Drone Size Should You Choose?
Here’s a simple way to decide which drone fits your mission:
| Feature | 7-Inch Drone | 10-Inch Drone | 15-Inch Drone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Time (No Load) | 26 minutes | 29 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Flight Time (Full Load) | 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Battery | 6S 5000mAh 40C | 6S 5000mAh 40C | 8S 16000mAh / 8S 12000mAh (Dropper version) |
| Camera | 480×640 resolution | 480×640 resolution | 1500 TVL FPV Camera |
| Image Transmission | 5.8 GHz, 2W | 5.8 GHz, 2W | 5.8 GHz, 2.5W |
| Maximum Speed | 30 m/s (~108 km/h) | 30 m/s (~108 km/h) | 120 km/h |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 2 kg | Up to 3 kg | Up to 7.5 kg / 7 kg (Dropper version) |
| Maximum Altitude | — | — | 5000 meters |
| Special Features | Compact, agile | Balanced performance | Long-range, thermal imaging, GPS, drop mechanism |
| Ideal Use | Stealth missions, rapid strikes | Versatile urban or rural combat roles | Heavy-duty, high-impact or long-range missions |
| Affordability | Most affordable | Mid-range | Premium |
Kamikaze drones are no longer sci-fi concepts. They’re real, active tools reshaping warfare especially in countries like India, where the push for self-reliance and advanced defense tech is strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the 7-inch, 10-inch, and 15-inch kamikaze drones?
It mostly comes down to size, flight time, and firepower. The 7-inch is small and quick, great for close-up strikes. The 10-inch is a solid all-rounder, balancing speed and power. The 15-inch is bigger and slower but can fly longer and carry heavier explosives for bigger targets.
Why are kamikaze drones such a big deal for India’s military?
They let the military strike precisely without risking pilots’ lives. Plus, India is making a strong push to build its own combat drones made in India, which helps keep things affordable and tailored for local needs.
Does bigger drone mean a higher price?
Generally, yes. Smaller 7-inch drones are cheaper, 10-inch models cost a bit more, and the 15-inch ones are pricier because of their bigger payload and longer flight time.
Can kamikaze drones also do surveillance?
Usually, no. Kamikaze drones are designed for one-time attacks. For spying and gathering info, India uses separate surveillance drones in India that fly, watch, and come back.
What makes India stand out as a kamikaze drone country?
India is investing heavily in drone tech, especially with support from DRDO. The country’s focus on building drones locally means it’s becoming a serious player in this field, with drones designed for India’s unique defense needs.
