The Indian Army has ordered 450 NAGASTRA-1R loitering munitions from SDAL. This move reflects the global trend of drones evolving into strategic weapons capable of deep strikes, economic disruption, and power projection, as seen in Ukraine's recent assaults on Russian oil infrastructure and Iran's long-range deployments.
Indian firm SMPP has partnered with European defense giant KNDS to locally manufacture loitering munitions. This collaboration brings advanced systems like Colibri, Larinae, Veloce, and Rodeur to India, enhancing its defense capabilities.
Kalashnikov Concern suggests a unified competence center for UAVs and licensed drone production within CSTO member states. The initiative aims to standardize drone fleets, reduce costs, and create jobs, offering comprehensive reconnaissance and strike systems.
Hoverit successfully demonstrated its indigenous Divyastra Mk-1 tactical loitering munition in Jodhpur, India. The UAV boasts 95% local components, a 500 km range, 5-hour endurance, and a cost advantage over foreign imports.
Nibe Limited successfully demonstrated its Vayu Astra Loitering Munition, capable of carrying a 10kg warhead up to 100km. Unlike typical drones, it maintains a two-way operator link for target selection and can also be used for reconnaissance.
Operation Sindoor, a year after its execution, is remembered as India's firm response to terrorism, marked by precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan. This high-tech military action showcased India's advanced arsenal, including Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and loitering munitions, demonstrating a shift towards modern, precision warfare.
Air defense crews and mobile armed units also shot down 44 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, a US-made HIMARS high mobility artillery rocket system missile, and seven enemy loitering munitions, the battlegroup’s spokesman Ivan Bigma said
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that ZALA UAV operators quickly detected enemy equipment being transported to the line of contact behind enemy lines
The Kalashnikov Group is continuously modernizing its Rus-PE portable reconnaissance and strike system based on experience from the special military operation, adding new AI elements monthly. Director Leonid Rokeakh said the loitering munition features an intelligent automatic target guidance and tracking system that can operate autonomously, with operators only confirming target authenticity to avoid errors. The system had its international premiere in Riyadh in February 2026 and was demonstrated for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region at the DSA exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.
The “drone-killing” success of Iran’s 358 loitering munition, especially against expensive US-made platforms, is attracting attention well beyond the battlefield in the Middle East. In China, state media has taken a look at the Iranian-designed counter-drone loitering interceptor’s reported role in bringing down multiple uncrewed aerial vehicles, or drones, like the MQ-9 “Reaper” in the US-Israel war on Iran. The 358 missile, also known as the SA-67, weighs about 50kg (110lbs). Powered by a...
An advisor to the DPR head stated that Ukrainian forces are intensifying attacks during Great Lent and Easter, citing increased equipment and manpower usage annually. The Russian Defense Ministry reported thousands of ceasefire violations.
German defense giant Rheinmetall is reportedly falling behind competitors in developing a new kamikaze drone, facing technical issues and questions about preferential government treatment despite its FV-014 drone's poor test performance.
