The Indian Army is preparing to evaluate a new generation of indigenous jet-powered kamikaze drones at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, marking another important development in India’s efforts to strengthen its unmanned warfare capabilities. The upcoming field trials are part of a proposed procurement programme estimated at approximately ₹2,000 crore, under which the Army plans to acquire 540 high-speed Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone Systems (JBKDS). The initiative is expected to encourage domestic defence manufacturers to develop advanced unmanned platforms that can meet the military’s evolving operational requirements.
According to media reports, the Army’s procurement exercise has attracted considerable interest from India’s defence industry. Around 60 companies reportedly responded to the Request for Information (RFI) issued in July 2026. Following the initial evaluation process, 18 companies submitted bids, of which 11 reportedly progressed to the next stage. The programme is being pursued under the Fast Track Procurement (FTP) route, with participation restricted to Indian companies to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Long Range Kamikaze Drone System on October 26, 2026. The approval formed part of a wider set of defence acquisition proposals valued at approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the inclusion of the long-range kamikaze drone system among the Indian Army’s approved procurement requirements. However, the AoN represents an initial procurement approval rather than a completed contract or final induction decision. <escape>[1]</escape>
Jet-powered kamikaze drones are gaining importance in modern military operations because of their higher speed and ability to carry out one-way precision strike missions. Unlike conventional propeller-driven loitering munitions, which generally operate at lower speeds, jet-powered variants are reported to achieve speeds of around 450 kilometres per hour. This higher speed can reduce the time available for opposing forces to detect and respond to an incoming unmanned platform. These systems are intended to provide commanders with additional options for engaging designated military targets while reducing the direct exposure of personnel.
The proposed Indian programme is also expected to assess more than the performance of individual drones. Participating manufacturers are reportedly required to demonstrate a complete operational package, including suitable transport vehicles and mission-planning infrastructure. This approach would allow the Army to examine how different indigenous systems can be transported, prepared and integrated into military operations.
India has already taken steps towards introducing jet-powered unmanned strike technology into its armed forces. Defence manufacturer SMPP announced in June 2026 that it had completed delivery of 106 Peacekeeper (Agniveg) drones to the Indian Army, comprising 100 operational systems and six training units. The company reported an operational range of approximately 180 kilometres and a maximum speed of 450 kilometres per hour for the platform. <escape>[2]</escape>
The upcoming Pokhran evaluations could provide an important opportunity for Indian manufacturers to demonstrate their technological capabilities under field conditions. The results will help inform the Army’s assessment of competing systems before further procurement decisions are made.
The initiative reflects India’s broader commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence, with increasing emphasis on developing advanced military technologies through domestic industry. If successfully implemented, the programme could expand India’s indigenous unmanned strike capabilities while creating new opportunities for private defence manufacturers and strengthening the country’s long-term defence manufacturing ecosystem.
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