The Indian Army is set to acquire around 850 kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, in a deal estimated to be worth ₹2,000 crore, official sources said. The procurement proposal is reported to be at an advanced stage.

According to officials, the acquisition will be carried out under the fast-track procurement procedure, with the drones and launchers to be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, in line with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production.

Sources said the Army has increasingly relied on drone-based systems for precision strikes in recent operations. During Operation Sidoor, drones were extensively used to target terror infrastructure across the border, with Indian forces striking seven out of nine identified terrorist targets on the first day of the operation.

Officials added that loitering munitions were later deployed against hostile military positions after attempts were made to shield terror elements. The strikes reportedly resulted in significant damage to enemy infrastructure along the border areas.

The proposed induction of kamikaze drones is expected to enhance the Army’s surveillance and precision strike capabilities, particularly in high-risk and contested environments, officials said.