Indian Defence Companies Introduce Kamikaze Drones with 1,000 km Range
In a significant development for India's defence sector, two companies have unveiled indigenous kamikaze drones, drawing inspiration from Iran's Shahed-136 drone, which has been used in conflicts in the Gulf region. These drones, named Sheshnaag-150 and Project KAL, are designed for long-range attacks, capable of flying over 1,000 kilometers while carrying heavy payloads for precision strikes on enemy assets.
Details of the New Drones
IG Defence, based in Noida, is developing Project KAL, a long-range kamikaze drone with an endurance of 3 to 5 hours. This allows it to observe target areas, gather intelligence, and adjust its trajectory before executing strikes. The drone is equipped to carry high-explosive payloads, targeting critical military assets such as logistics hubs, radar installations, and infrastructure nodes.
NewSpace Research and Technologies has showcased the Sheshnaag-150, a swarm drone with a 40kg payload capacity and 5 hours of endurance. Both drones are currently in the testing stage, aiming to boost India's deep-penetration strike capabilities.
Expert Insights and Strategic Importance
Maj Gen R C Padhi (Retd), senior vice-president at IG Defence, emphasized the transformative role of unmanned systems in modern warfare. He stated, "Recent developments in the Middle East have demonstrated how long-range strike drones can influence operational strategies by combining reach, persistence, and cost efficiency. With Project KAL, our goal is to develop home-grown capability and contribute to India's defence innovation ecosystem."
IG Defence has enlisted retired military officers, including Anil Kumar Samantara, former DG of Infantry, and Anil Chait, former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, for expert advice on technology development.
Production and Future Plans
IG Defence operationalized a major production facility in Noida in late 2025, with additional UAV manufacturing plants planned in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, and Ganjam district, Odisha. These facilities are expected to significantly scale up drone production capacity by 2028, supporting India's self-reliance in defence technology.
This move aligns with global trends, as even the United States has engaged in reverse-engineering Iranian drones for low-cost kamikaze models, highlighting the strategic value of such technology in contemporary conflicts.
