Indian Army Inducts 106 'Agniveg' Jet-Powered Kamikaze Drones

The Indian Army (IA) has received 106 jet-powered 'Peacekeeper' (Agniveg) drones from defense manufacturer SMPP Ltd, comprising 100 operational drones and 6 training drones.

Kamikaze drones, or 'loitering munitions,' are unmanned systems that destroy targets by directly colliding with them.

Developed in collaboration with Belarus's KB Indela, the Peacekeeper drone has been partially localized in India, and an upgraded version capable of speeds up to 750 kmph has been proposed.

This delivery follows successful user trials, during which the Peacekeeper (Agniveg) demonstrated a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 5 meters and an operational range of approximately 180 km, while operating in environments characterized by heavy jamming and spoofing.

Its performance highlights the system's accuracy, reliability, and capability to operate in challenging battlefield conditions.

Kamikaze Drone 'Agniveg': Features

This is a turbojet-powered kamikaze drone designed to execute precision strikes on critical and high-value enemy targets from long range.

Specifications: The drone has an operational range of 180 km, a maximum speed of 450 kmph, and a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 5 meters. It can operate effectively even in environments involving jamming, spoofing, or the absence of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals.

The drone is capable of striking strategic enemy targets and bridging the operational gap between artillery and long-range missile systems. The Peacekeeper (Agnivaag) is being inducted at a time when modern warfare is increasingly being shaped by precision-guided unmanned systems, which can deliver significant battlefield impact at a fraction of the cost of traditional strike platforms.

This system bridges the capability gap between conventional artillery and long-range missile systems, providing commanders with a new level of precision strike capability.