Responding to the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' at midnight on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Skystriker suicide drones, crafted in Bengaluru, unleashed their fury from above on Pakistan. These drones played a vital role in dismantling terrorist camps in both Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
According to an India Today report, the Indian Army has deployed its powerful weapons, including SCALP cruise missiles and Hammer bombs, alongside the Skystriker drones for precise attacks. These drones, with their pinpoint accuracy, target and destroy effectively and swiftly. Let's explore the indigenous Skystriker-
The Skystriker drone, manufactured by Alpha Design Technologies based in Bengaluru, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) suicide drone. It is capable of identifying and destroying targets from a great distance with precise recognition. During the recent operation, they were used in conjunction with SCALP cruise missiles and Hammer bombs.
Source: aajtak
Alpha Design Technologies developed this drone in partnership with Israel's Elbit Systems. Notably, Adani Defense Systems & Technologies Limited owns a 26% stake in Alpha Design Technologies. Renowned for precise targeting and destruction, these suicide drones stand out in various ways.
Designed to detect and attack enemy targets, this drone can carry warheads weighing 5-10 kilograms. It is designed to execute direct aerial precision strikes within a range of 100 kilometers. These drones, not only compact in size, execute their operations silently. While we cannot divulge the number of units deployed in the Indian Army, they are in the hundreds.
According to Elbit Systems, the Skystriker drone operates like a missile, acting as a silent, invisible surprise attacker. Post the Balakot attack in 2021, several units of this drone were ordered, and it has been deployed in multiple units within the Indian Army since then. These suicide drones, also known as kamikaze drones, are known for their cost-effectiveness and long-range capabilities. The domestic drone's prowess was closely experienced by Pakistan in Operation Sindoor initiated by India recently. At the end of the article, you can watch a video showcasing its operation.
Source: aajtak
Another drone in the spotlight is the Harop. Manufactured by the MBT Missiles Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), it is designed to operate as a roaming munition. A significant feature is its capability to hover over specific areas for extended periods and attack targets promptly upon receiving instructions. Its rapid action leaves no breathing space for the enemy.
This, too, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) suicide drone. The Harop is launched from a canister, reaching a 'holding area' where it hovers according to its mission. It can remain airborne for hours, and upon receiving instructions, it dives directly at the target, exploding itself.
The Harop uses a man-in-the-loop control mode operated by a remote mission operator. The Harop operator selects fixed or moving targets detected by the aircraft's electro-optical (EO) sensor. With a flight endurance exceeding 6 hours and a range of 200 kilometers, it showcases exceptional operational capacity.
Video Credit: Elbit Systems
