India's IG Defence markets KAL Shahed‑class drone for export amid Gulf tensions

IG Defence is promoting the KAL, India’s first indigenous 1,000 km‑class Shahed‑type long‑range one‑way attack drone, for international export. The platform offers a 50 kg payload, up to 1,000 km range, 7–8 hour endurance and autonomous navigation, aiming to provide cost‑effective precision strike capability for deep‑penetration missions.

The push comes as recent conflicts in the Gulf have heightened demand for long‑range autonomous strike systems. IG Defence’s founder and CEO Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya said the drone represents a milestone in India’s defence self‑reliance and positions the country as a trusted supplier of affordable, mission‑ready unmanned platforms, subject to Indian government approvals and export controls. Comparable systems include Russia’s Geran‑2 and the United States’ LUCAS.