In recent years, a new player has been added to our defence system. It is small, smart, and deadly. Yes, we are talking about the Kamikaze drones who are quietly redefining the way wars are fought.

Also known as loitering munitions, these explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are designed not to return, but to destroy a specific target in a single, self-sacrificial strike.

In this blog, we will learn everything about Kamikaze drones and why India is heavily investing upon their development.

What is a Kamikaze Drone & How Do They Work

To understand kamikaze drone meaning, let’s rewind a bit. The term “kamikaze” originates from World War II, where Japanese pilots deliberately crashed their aircraft into enemy ships in a desperate bid to change the tide of war.

The word “kamikaze” meaning “divine wind” in Japanese, now symbolises suicide missions except today, no humans are on board.

A kamikaze drone is a type of UAV that functions as both a surveillance tool and a weapon. Once it identifies its target, it doesn’t fire a missile it becomes the missile.

They are designed to loiter in the sky for long periods of time and then strike with extreme precision. It is capable of avoiding traditional missile defense systems due to their size, speed, and unpredictable flight paths.

So what exactly is the difference between conventional drones and these suicide missiles?

Traditional combat drones like the MQ-9 Reaper are built for multiple missions and can return after firing missiles. Kamikaze drones, on the other hand, are single-use. They’re pre-programmed or manually guided to dive into targets, detonating their warhead on impact.

This unique blend of surveillance and self-destruction makes them cost-effective and strategically valuable.

Here's how these loitering munitions operate:

Launch: Kamikaze drones can be launched from portable tubes, ground stations, or even larger drones.
Loiter: Once airborne, they hover over a target zone for minutes or even hours, relaying video back to the operator.
Target Lock: Using GPS, infrared, or AI-powered sensors, they identify and track targets such as enemy vehicles, radar systems, or personnel.
Strike: Upon confirmation, they go directly into the target, detonating the built-in warhead and destroying both themselves and the target.

Also read: India’s underwater drones are changing naval warfare

India’s Push Towards Kamikaze Drone Capability

Before understanding what is India doing to push the capability of these drones, let us first see what makes these UAVs so effective:

Affordability: Compared to missiles or manned airstrikes, kamikaze drones are cheaper. In fact, many are priced in the tens of thousands, a fraction of what a traditional cruise missile might cost.
Precision: Loitering capability allows for real-time surveillance and targeting.
Low Radar Signature: Their small size makes them difficult to detect.
Psychological Warfare: Knowing a drone can strike at any moment, anywhere, creates constant tension for enemy forces.

Therefore, with the increasing role of UAVs in modern combat, India is rapidly advancing its own indigenous kamikaze drone programs. The country has recognised the need for strategic autonomy in drone warfare, especially in light of conflicts along the border and in neighbouring regions.

Key Developments include:

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has developed a loitering munition named ALFA-S, aimed at enhancing India’s stand-off precision strike capabilities.
Indian startups and defense tech companies are also producing Indian kamikaze drones that are portable, AI-enabled, and combat-tested in simulations.

Kamikaze Drone Cost: How Much Are We Talking?

Now let’s talk numbers. While the exact kamikaze drones price varies depending on range, payload, and technology, here’s a general idea:

(Source: wikipedia, twz, NDTV)

What Are The Countermeasures And Ethical Concerns Involved?

As kamikaze drones become more prevalent, so do countermeasures. Nations are investing in:

Electronic jamming systems to disrupt communication
Laser defense weapons to shoot down drones mid-air
Interceptor drones to neutralise loitering threats

Still, the cost of defending against dozens of cheap drones can far exceed the drones themselves an imbalance that is reshaping military strategies worldwide.

However, the rise of these autonomous kamikaze drones raises significant moral questions:

Who is accountable if an AI drone kills civilians?
Should machines have the power to make kill decisions?

Also read: How India is fighting against the drone threat

Kamikaze drones are a symbol of how technology is redefining conflict. Low-cost, high-precision, and hard to stop, these loitering munitions are leveling the playing field between powerful nations and smaller forces.

For countries like India, investing in these UAVs means staying ahead in the strategic game, ensuring national security, and building indigenous defense capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a kamikaze drone look like?

It usually looks like a small, fixed-wing aircraft or a sleek missile. Most are lightweight, compact, and built for speed and stealth. Some have foldable wings and basic sensors or cameras to identify targets. The design varies, but all focus on getting to the target quickly and undetected.

What is a kamikaze drone?

A kamikaze drone, also called a loitering munition, is a one-time-use unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to find and destroy a target by crashing into it with an onboard explosive. It combines surveillance capabilities with the strike power of a missile.

Which country invented kamikaze drones, and who uses them now?

Israel was among the first to develop kamikaze drones with the Harpy in the 1990s. Since then, countries like the U.S., Iran, Russia, and India have developed their own versions. Today, these drones are widely used in military operations across the world.

How does a kamikaze drone work?

Once launched, a kamikaze drone flies over the target area, scanning for threats using built-in cameras or GPS. When a target is confirmed, it dives at high speed and explodes on impact, destroying both itself and the target.

How big is a kamikaze drone?

Sizes vary by model. Portable types like the Switchblade are about 2 feet long and lightweight, while larger drones like the Shahed-136 can be over 11 feet long with a 2.5-meter wingspan. Indian kamikaze drones are typically medium-sized, balancing portability and payload.

What is a Kamikaze Drone and How Does it Work?

What is a Kamikaze Drone & How Do They Work

Here's how these loitering munitions operate: