India buys indigenous suicide drones

Kadet Defence Systems, in collaboration with the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), has achieved a significant milestone in India’s defense sector.

According to a press release from Kadet, the successful development of Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM), better known as suicide drone, under a unique Development cum Production Partner (DCPP) model heralds a new era of indigenous defense technology.

As noted by the company, the LAM Systems, a culmination of cutting-edge technologies, represent a diverse suite of capabilities. Among them are the Canister Aerial Loitering Munition (CALM), Combat UAVs with stand-off capabilities for munition release, Tactical VTOL UAVs, and a versatile mix of systems capable of swarming and manned-unmanned teaming operations. This achievement is underscored by a contract for the delivery of over 50 systems by year-end, meeting the operational requirements of the Indian armed forces.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

What sets Kadet’s LAMs apart is their adaptability to various terrains and environments, boasting a launch altitude capability exceeding 5,000 meters. Notably, these systems are entirely indigenous, with over 90% of components sourced domestically.

Avdhesh Khaitan, Co-Founder & CEO of Kadet Defence Systems, emphasized the significance of indigenous development, stating, “Designing and developing indigenous LAMs signifies true atmanirbharta or self-reliance.” He highlighted the critical importance of LAMs to both the Indian armed forces and friendly foreign countries, reaffirming Kadet’s commitment to scaling up production to meet growing demand.

Kadet’s LAMs offer capabilities, serving as combat UAVs for precision strikes and Kamikaze drones for targeted engagements, akin to cruise missiles. With the market size of LAMs in India estimated to be around Rs. 15,000 crores, Kadet stands poised to make a substantial impact in the defense industry.

Readers who wish to follow our weekly coverage can subscribe to the Weekly Defense Roundup.

If you wish to report a grammatical or factual error in this article, please let us know by using the online form.

Executive Editor

Support The Defence Blog

Independent reporting takes resources. Join us on Patreon.

Become a patron

More Like This

Neros Technologies shrinks its attack drone controller by half

A Los Angeles-based drone technology company has redesigned its ground control station for FPV attack drones to fit on a soldier's body armor, cutting...

Ukraine-tested spy drone passes French electromagnetic warfare test

A drone equipped with an airborne signals intelligence system successfully detected, classified, and geolocated every high-priority radio frequency emitter in a French military exercise...

U.S. Army invests $461M to rebuild short-range air defense fast

The U.S. Army is nearly doubling its investment in its primary short-range air defense system for fiscal year 2027, requesting $461 million for the...

Ukraine burns two Russian Tu-142 naval patrol planes in Taganrog

Ukrainian strike drones hit two Russian Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft on the ground at Taganrog military airfield on the night of May 29-30, 2026,...

Ukraine’s frontline drone detector tested in Denmark

A coalition of European and Ukrainian defense companies launched Dronetex at Odense Airport in Denmark, presenting a set of integrated air defense and counter-drone...