Army inducts ‘Kamikaze’ drones in J&K to counter terrorism

Srinagar, Feb 22: The Indian Army has inducted advanced ‘Kamikaze’ drones in Jammu and Kashmir to bolster its counter-terrorism efforts, officials confirmed on Saturday.
A senior Army official told Rising Kashmir that the drones, recently inducted into the region, are designed to identify, track, and neutralise terrorist threats with precision strikes. These autonomous aerial systems are now being deployed in terror-prone areas, including the Line of Control (LoC), to enhance surveillance and pre-empt attacks by eliminating infiltrators before they can strike.
“The induction of Kamikaze drones comes at a time when there has been a rise in cross-border infiltration attempts and terrorist activities in the region,” the official said.
The drones provide a tactical advantage by enabling real-time intelligence gathering and rapid response to threats. “These drones can hover over a target, assess the situation, and strike with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing collateral damage,” the official added.
The official said that the drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and explosive payloads, making them an effective tool in targeting terrorist hideouts and infiltration routes.
“The deployment will significantly enhance operational capabilities in difficult terrains, where conventional tactics may be challenging,” he said.
The official said that security analysts view this move as a crucial step in the Indian Army’s modernisation efforts, aimed at adopting cutting-edge technology to combat terrorism.
“Loitering munitions inducted are of indigenous origin, developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative to boost domestic defence manufacturing,” he said.
The officials said that these drones are built to function seamlessly in both day and night operations.
“They can operate in extreme weather conditions, they can withstand storms, heavy rain, and snowfall essential for Jammu and Kashmir’s demanding environment,” he said.
These drones are equipped with a real-time tracking system, these drones enhance surveillance capabilities by monitoring terrorist movements instantly. It will help security forces prevent escape attempts after attacks, addressing a long-standing challenge in the region.
While officials did not disclose the exact number of drones deployed, sources indicate that their use has already yielded successful results in thwarting infiltration attempts.
On February 21st, India and Pakistan held a Brigade Commander-level flag meeting along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district on Friday, in an effort to de-escalate tension after several recent incidents of cross-border firing and an IED attack.