New Delhi: Drawing crucial lessons from Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army is set to procure around 850 kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, in a fast-track deal estimated at nearly Rs 2,000 crore. The proposal is at an advanced stage and is expected to receive clearance from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in a high-level meeting scheduled for the last week of December 2025, defence sources said.
The acquisition aims to significantly enhance the precision strike capabilities of the Indian Army, as well as other defence forces and special units. Under the fast-track procurement process, the loitering munitions—along with dedicated launchers—will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, in line with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production.
As part of the new operational structure, each infantry battalion will be equipped with a specialised “Ashni” platoon. These platoons will be responsible for operating drones in both counterinsurgency operations and offensive missions against enemy positions, enabling quicker response times and reduced risk to soldiers.
The decision follows the extensive and effective use of drones during Operation Sindoor, which was launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. During the operation, Indian forces deployed loitering munitions to strike terrorist headquarters located inside Pakistan. According to defence officials, seven out of nine identified terror targets were destroyed on the very first day of the operation.
Subsequently, the drones were also used against positions of the Pakistan Army, which had attempted to shield terrorist elements. The strikes reportedly resulted in heavy casualties and caused significant damage to enemy infrastructure along the border areas.
Officials said the Army already operates a substantial number of loitering munitions acquired from multiple sources. However, the latest proposal marks a major expansion, with plans underway to induct nearly 30,000 such drones in the near future to comprehensively equip all combat formations.
The move underscores the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare and reflects the Indian Army’s focus on precision, surveillance, and technological superiority in future conflicts.
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