New Delhi: In a significant enhancement to India’s battlefield capabilities, the Indian Army has received 106 indigenous “Peacekeeper-Agniveg” kamikaze drones, strengthening its ability to conduct precision strikes against high-value enemy targets deep inside hostile territory.
Of the total drones delivered, 100 are intended for operational deployment while six will be used for training purposes. Developed and supplied by defence technology firm SMPP, the drones represent a major step forward in India’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, are unmanned aerial systems designed to hover over a target area, identify a suitable target, and then destroy it by crashing into it with an explosive payload. Unlike conventional drones, they are not intended to return after completing a mission.
According to available information, the Agniveg drone has a strike range of approximately 180 kilometres and can reach speeds of up to 450 kilometres per hour. Powered by a turbojet engine, it is capable of carrying out autonomous precision strikes against enemy command centres, radar installations, logistics hubs, and other strategically important military assets.
Defence experts note that recent conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and military engagements in the Middle East, have demonstrated the growing importance of loitering munitions in modern warfare. Such systems offer a cost-effective means of conducting precise attacks while reducing risks to military personnel.
One of the key features of the Agniveg platform is its ability to operate in contested electronic warfare environments. The drone has reportedly been designed to withstand jamming and spoofing attempts, enabling it to continue its mission even in challenging battlefield conditions.
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has also initiated efforts to develop indigenous long-range kamikaze drones, reflecting the country’s broader strategy to build a robust domestic drone ecosystem and prepare for the evolving nature of future warfare.
Military analysts believe the induction of Agniveg drones will provide the Indian Army with a versatile precision-strike capability, bridging the gap between conventional artillery systems and long-range missile assets while further advancing India’s defence self-reliance objectives.