Military forces deploying a kamikaze drone for precision strike in a defense operation
Technology is reshaping how wars are fought. Among the most talked-about innovations in modern warfare are kamikaze drones, a term that’s suddenly on everyone’s radar. From Ukraine to Azerbaijan, and now India, these intelligent, one-way attack drones are changing the rules of engagement.
But what exactly are kamikaze drones, and why are they becoming such a big deal in the Indian defense space?
Let's break it all down in simple terms with real-world examples, the latest Indian developments, and a look at how they’re being used on the ground.
Kamikaze Drone Meaning: What Are We Talking About?
The word “kamikaze” itself traces back to World War II and literally means “divine wind” in Japanese. Back then, it referred to pilots who carried out suicide missions. Fast forward to today, and the concept has taken a technological turn.
Kamikaze drones, also called loitering munitions, are unmanned aerial vehicles designed to hover over an area for a while hunting for a target and then go to destroy it, exploding on impact.
You can think of them as a hybrid between a missile and a drone, with a mind of their own (thanks to AI and real-time video feeds).
Also read: India’s drone power surge: Army set for major expansion
The Rise of Kamikaze Drones: Global Use Cases
Let us go through some real life use cases of Kamikaze drones and how are they making an impact.
Azerbaijan-Armenia Conflict: First Real-World Test
Back in 2020, the world watched as Azerbaijan made effective use of Israeli-made Harop drones during its conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh. These drones were used to wipe out Armenian tanks, artillery, and air defense systems without a single soldier being sent into enemy territory.
This conflict gave us a clear picture of what kamikaze drones can really do. For military strategists across the globe, including India, it was a wake-up call.
Ukraine-Russia War: Drones Dominate Headlines
The ongoing war in Ukraine has made loitering munitions front-page news. Russia, in particular, has been using Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones, which are a type of kamikaze drone, to attack Ukrainian infrastructure. These drones fly low, loiter over targets, and then strike with deadly precision.
The key takeaway? Countries that traditionally relied on expensive fighter jets are now using low-cost kamikaze drones to achieve the same, sometimes better results.
India’s Growing Interest in Kamikaze Drones
Given our unique security challenges from cross-border terrorism on the western front to the tense standoff with China in Ladakh, India has started to invest seriously in drone warfare.
Let’s look at what’s happening right now in India:
DRDO’s Indigenous Kamikaze Drones
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is already working on a series of Indian kamikaze drone projects.
Notable among them are ALFA-S and ALFA-SW. These are lightweight drones capable of high-precision strikes. These Indian drones are being tested for both low-altitude and high-altitude warfare, especially in terrains like Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
These drones are designed to be launched from portable canisters, making them ideal for quick deployment by ground forces.
Made-in-India Collaborations
Private companies are also getting in on the action. Under the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, firms like Adani Defence, NewSpace Research, and IdeaForge are actively building drones in partnership with global tech players.
One of the biggest breakthroughs came when the Indian Army signed a deal with Adani and Israeli firm Elbit Systems to manufacture SkyStriker drones locally. These drones can carry a 5–10 kg warhead and loiter in the air for up to two hours. This move is a big step toward reducing India’s reliance on foreign drone technology.
Also read: Nagpur becomes drone tech hub
Use Cases of Kamikaze Drones in the Indian Defense Ecosystem
Now let’s get into the real crux of the topic, how India can (and already does) use kamikaze drones in military scenarios.
Preemptive Strikes Along the Pakistan Border
India faces frequent infiltration attempts along the Line of Control. Kamikaze drones offer a silent, effective way to target terrorist launchpads or weapons storage facilities without putting boots on the ground.
The ability to strike fast and with minimal risk to Indian soldiers makes these drones ideal for surgical operations.
High-Altitude Warfare Against China
Conventional artillery doesn’t always work in extreme conditions like Ladakh. Kamikaze drones, especially compact Indian drones developed by DRDO, can be carried by troops and launched quickly in mountainous terrain.
Their light weight and smart navigation systems allow them to find and strike targets, even in tough weather.
Urban Counter-Terrorism
In cities and conflict-prone zones like Jammu and Kashmir, military units often face terrorists hiding in buildings.
Instead of a risky door-to-door search, a loitering drone with a camera and explosive payload can enter the area, identify the target, and neutralize it without collateral damage.
Disabling Enemy Radar and Air Defenses
In the event of full-scale conflict, the first step is to blind the enemy. Kamikaze drones are perfect for knocking out radar systems, mobile missile launchers, or even anti-aircraft guns.
Because they can loiter undetected and then go in at the right moment, they often succeed where cruise missiles or fighter jets might get intercepted.
What’s the Kamikaze Drone Cost?
One of the most attractive aspects of loitering munitions is their cost-effectiveness. While a traditional cruise missile or airstrike mission might cost crores, a single kamikaze drone can be produced for as little as ₹30–40 lakh (roughly $35,000–$50,000).
For instance, the Shahed-136 drone, used by Russia, reportedly costs around $20,000–$40,000. In comparison, India’s SkyStriker drones fall in a similar price range, depending on the warhead and range capability.
With this kind of pricing, India can deploy multiple drones at once, overwhelming enemy defenses without breaking the budget.
Kamikaze drones are more than just a military gadget, they're a shift in how wars will be fought in the future. For India, investing in these technologies means safer soldiers, smarter strikes, and stronger borders.
Also read: India’s drone revolution: Breaking barriers to take flight
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the difference between a kamikaze drone and a regular drone?
A regular drone is usually used for surveillance or transport. A kamikaze drone, on the other hand, is a one-way attack drone. It searches for a target, then crashes into it with an explosive payload.
Are kamikaze drones being used by India right now?
Yes, India is actively testing and deploying indian kamikaze drones like ALFA-S and SkyStriker, especially for border surveillance and strike missions. More indigenous models are also in development under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
How much does a kamikaze drone cost in India?
The kamikaze drone price in India typically ranges between ₹30–40 lakh, depending on its features and range. This makes it far more affordable than traditional weapons like cruise missiles or fighter jets.
Which countries are leading in kamikaze drone technology?
Top kamikaze drone countries include the USA, Israel, Iran, China, Russia, and now India. Each nation is investing heavily in loitering munitions for modern warfare.
Can kamikaze drones be used in high-altitude areas like Ladakh?
Absolutely. Indian drones like ALFA-S are being designed specifically for high-altitude warfare, making them perfect for rough terrains like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
