India Deploys Kamikaze Drone SkyStriker in Operation
The SkyStriker's capabilities and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for the Indian military, which is seeking to modernize its defense capabilities and respond effectively to emerging security threats. With its ability to fly like a UAS and strike like a missile, the SkyStriker is poised to play a key role in India's future military operations, providing a critical edge in search-and-destroy missions and counter-terror operations.
The Indian Army has deployed the SkyStriker loitering munition, also known as a "suicide drone," in Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The autonomous, precision-guided drones were developed by Alpha Design and Israel's Elbit Systems, featuring electric propulsion for stealth and carrying 5-10kg warheads with a range of up to 100km.
The SkyStrikers made their operational debut in Operation Sindoor, destroying nine terror camps in Pakistan. These drones can locate, acquire, and strike enemy targets, delivering direct-fire aerial precision attacks within a range of 100 km. They are cost-effective and capable of long-range strikes, adding a critical edge to search-and-destroy missions, especially in counter-terror and shoot-to-kill operations.
The Indian Army had placed an emergency order for 100 SkyStrikers in 2021, highlighting the importance of these drones in the country's defense strategy. Each drone has a range of 100 km and can carry a 5 kg or 10 kg warhead, with its electric propulsion allowing for covert operations at low altitude. The SkyStriker is a cost-effective loitering munition that can fly like a UAS and strike like a missile, providing direct-fire aerial-precision capabilities to troops and special forces.
The deployment of SkyStriker drones in Operation Sindoor marks a significant development in India's counter-terror operations, showcasing the country's ability to leverage advanced technology to target terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The success of these drones is expected to have a profound impact on the region's security landscape, as India continues to invest in cutting-edge defense systems to protect its interests.