A Loitering Munition, sometimes called a kamikaze drone or suicide drone, is a special type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that combines the features of a drone and a missile. It can fly around an area for some time, searching for a target, and then attack that target by crashing into it and detonating an explosive warhead. Think of it as a drone that can wait patiently and then turn into a smart, guided missile when needed.

The topic of "Loitering Munitions" is important for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, particularly for General Studies Paper III. This paper covers subjects like Science and Technology, Defence and Security, and Current Events of National and International Importance.

Download the UPSC Practice Questions on Loitering Munition for Prelims & Mains!

Why is Loitering Munition/Kamik aze Drone in News?

Loitering munitions are in the news specifically concerning the India-Pakistan issue due to their reported deployment by the Indian armed forces in Operation Sindoor. This operation was conducted as a response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, for which India holds Pakistan-backed terrorist groups responsible. News reports indicate that loitering munitions, alongside other precision-guided weapons, were used to strike terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

At its core, a loitering munition is an unmanned aerial system designed to both surveil an area and attack targets. The term "loitering" refers to its ability to fly or hover over a potential battlefield or area of interest for a certain period, actively searching for enemy targets. Once a target is identified and confirmed, the loitering munition can then be directed to strike it, effectively functioning as a precision-guided missile.

Imagine a remote-controlled airplane with a bomb attached. Unlike a regular bomb that is dropped and follows a ballistic trajectory, a loitering munition can fly to a specific area, wait for the right moment or target to appear, and then fly directly into it, detonating its warhead.

Key aspects of a loitering munition/Kamikaze Drone include:

• It can fly and navigate to a designated area without constant human control, although it can be remotely piloted or have its mission parameters updated.
• It is equipped with sensors (like cameras, infrared detectors) that allow it to scan the area for potential targets. Some advanced systems can even use artificial intelligence to identify specific types of vehicles or personnel.
• Once a target is locked, it can execute a direct attack, minimizing collateral damage compared to traditional artillery or aerial bombing.
• Loitering munitions are often designed to be relatively inexpensive compared to high-end missiles or manned aircraft, making their use in certain scenarios more economically feasible.

Read the article on Missiles of India!

Types of Loitering Munition Systems

Loitering munitions can be grouped based on their size, range, what they can carry (payload), and how they are launched. Below are the common types:

Small or Tactical Loitering Munitions

These are small in size and easy to carry. Soldiers can carry them by hand or launch them from small vehicles. They travel short distances (a few kilometers) and are used in battlefields to destroy nearby enemy targets that soldiers cannot see directly.

Medium-Range Loitering Munitions

These are bigger than the small ones. They can go longer distances (hundreds of kilometers) and carry heavier explosives. They are launched from bigger vehicles or planes. These are used to hit enemy targets deep inside enemy areas.

Long-Range Loitering Munitions

These are the most powerful ones. They can fly very far and stay in the air for a long time before hitting a target. They are used to destroy very important enemy buildings or weapons.

Anti-Radiation Loitering Munitions

These are made to find and destroy enemy radar systems. Radar is used by the enemy to detect aircraft or missiles. These loitering munitions have special sensors that find radar signals and go directly to destroy them.

Swarming Loitering Munitions

In this type, many small loitering munitions are sent together like a group. They move either on their own or by working together. The goal is to confuse and attack the enemy from many sides at once. This type is new and still being developed.

Read the article on the Air to Air Missiles!

India's first indigenous loitering munition system is the Nagastra-1, developed by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries Nagpur. This new development is an important step for India to make its own defense technology. It also makes India stronger in attacks during war.

Nagastra-1 is a small flying machine that uses electricity. It has fixed wings like an airplane and can go up and down without a runway. This means it can fly from many different places, even small areas, which makes it very useful on the battlefield. 

Key features and objectives of the Nagastra-1 include:

• Autonomous Search and Strike: It can autonomously search for and identify targets, and once a target is confirmed, it can execute a precision strike by self-destructing upon impact.
• Abort Capability: The Nagastra-1 has a special safety feature called "abort." This means the soldier can stop the attack even after the drone is sent and the target is locked. This helps prevent mistakes and protects innocent people from getting hurt.
• Day and Night Operation: Nagastra-1 can work both in the daytime and at night. So, it can be used anytime, which is very helpful during different kinds of missions.

Specifications of Nagastra-1

While detailed official specifications might not all be publicly available due to security reasons, some key features and capabilities of the Nagastra-1, based on available information, include:

Read the article on the Surface to Surface Missiles!

Significance of Loitering Munition/Kamikaze Drones

Loitering munitions hold significant importance in modern warfare due to several key advantages they offer:

• Precision Strikes: They can attack specific enemy positions without harming nearby civilians.
• Lower Cost: Compared to aircraft or missiles, they are cheaper.
• Easy to Carry: Small drones like Nagastra-1 can be taken to remote areas by soldiers.
• Reduced Risk to Soldiers: Since they are unmanned, there is no danger to pilot lives.
• Surprise Element: These weapons fly low and avoid radar detection.
• Useful in Border Areas: India can use them in mountainous or forest areas for quick attacks.

Read the article on Rafale Fighter Jets!

Application of Loitering Munition in Warfare

Loitering munitions are finding increasing applications across various scenarios in modern warfare:

• Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD): Anti-radiation loitering munitions can be used to target and destroy enemy radar systems, clearing the way for other aircraft or follow-on attacks.
• Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS): Some loitering munitions are being developed to intercept and neutralize enemy drones, providing a mobile and effective air defense capability against this growing threat.
• Precision Strikes Against High-Value Targets: Their ability to loiter and precisely target critical infrastructure like command posts, communication hubs, and logistics nodes makes them valuable assets for strategic strikes.
• Close Air Support: Tactical loitering munitions can provide ground troops with immediate and precise fire support against enemy positions, vehicles, or personnel, especially in situations where traditional artillery or air support is unavailable or too slow.
• Reconnaissance and Strike Missions in Contested Areas: They can be deployed to conduct surveillance in dangerous or inaccessible areas and then immediately engage any targets they identify, without the need for separate reconnaissance and strike assets.
• Anti-Armor Operations: Some loitering munitions are equipped with specialized warheads designed to penetrate and destroy armored vehicles.
• Swarm Attacks: The potential for deploying large numbers of coordinated loitering munitions can overwhelm enemy defenses and saturate target areas, increasing the effectiveness of attacks against heavily defended positions.

Read the article on the Brahmos Missile!

To study more such topics for UPSC, download the Testbook App now!