Indian Navy seeks 1,000-km range ship-launched loitering munitions

The Indian Navy has initiated the procurement process for a new class of ship-launched, medium-range loitering munitions, often referred to as “kamikaze drones”. The Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire these systems, which are designed to provide warships with independent offensive capabilities for long-range surveillance and precision strikes against maritime and land targets.

The technical specifications outlined in the RFI include a minimum operational range of 1,000 km and an endurance of at least nine hours. The munitions are expected to feature a cruising speed exceeding 75 knots and terminal attack speeds of more than 200 knots. To ensure effectiveness in various conditions, the drones will be equipped with electro-optical and infrared seekers for day and night target identification.

Strategically, the acquisition aims to allow Indian warships to dominate the Indian Ocean Region and conduct inland strikes while remaining outside the range of adversary shore-based missiles. The requirements also emphasize resilience against electronic warfare, requesting autonomous navigation capabilities and the ability to operate even if communication with control stations is lost.