India’s First Suicide Drone

The Kadet Defence Systems and Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) indigenously developed India’s first suicide drone, ‘Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM)’.

About India’s First Suicide Drone:

• Also known as “suicide drones” or “loitering aerial munitions (LAM),”
• These drones are designed to loiter over target areas for extended periods, patiently waiting to strike with high precision.
• They are capable of changing targets mid-flight or aborting missions, adding strategic flexibility in combat scenarios.
• The drones vary in weight from 15 kg to 120 kg and carry an explosive payload ranging from 2 kg to 40 kg.
• The largest version of these drones can loiter for about 12 hours and operates at altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters.
• They are adaptable to various terrains, including deserts, plains, and high-altitude environments.
• Launch options for these drones include shoulder-launched and vehicle-launched systems, with future plans for air-launched versions.
• Their operational range extends from 150 km to 300 km, featuring a rocket-assisted canister launch and a runway-independent hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) system.
• They incorporate advanced technologies such as Canister Aerial Loitering Munition (CALM), combat UAVs with standoff capabilities, tactical VTOL UAVs, and systems capable of swarming and manned-unmanned teaming operations.

Ref: Source