The Indian Army is ready to procure around 125 drones, 'SkyStriker' from a Bengaluru-based company, Alpha Design-led joint venture (JV) involving Israeli firm Elbit Systems. India’s Alpha Design is a part of the Adani Group and the SkyStriker drone is already under production in India. It was launched in 2017 by the Israeli firm Elbit Security Sysy Systems (ELSEC).
This could be a big boost to India's drone arsenal and can not only stave off any future attacks but can also capably carry out airstrikes similar to Balakot. It's the first instance where the Army has ordered over 100 tactical kamikaze Israeli drones, used in the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, to beef up its operational capability along the borders with Pakistan and China. The SkyStriker was extensively used by Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia to strike moving targets including armored personnel carriers.
The Elbit systems describe it as a cost-effective loitering munition that is capable of long-range precise tactical strikes. It can reach a distance of 20 km within 10 minutes. The SkyStriker is enabled with the latest technology and can provide direct-fire aerial-precision capabilities which will improve performance, situational awareness, and survivability of the troops and Special Forces.
 |
The Israeli Drones Used By Azerbaijani Army During Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict |
The SkyStriker Drone
A SkyStriker is an Unmanned aircraft system that can acquire and strike operator-designated targets with a warhead installed in the fuselage. The drones are capable of mass destruction and can carry ammunition atop them and can strike targets from far-off distances.
1. It's in the category of Kamikaze drone, which falls onto a target and explodes. They are also known as loitering munitions, which means that they can loiter in the air and then drop down on their target when ordered to.
2. It can be launched through an automatic pneumatic launch platform, can reach a distance of 20 km in less than 10 minutes.
3. The total range is around 100 km and can loiter and pursue a target for up to 2 hours with a 5 kg warhead or up to an hour with a 10 kg warhead.
4. At a maximum speed of 100 knots, SkyStriker can reach a distance of 20 km within 6.5 minutes, reducing the loitering time by 15 minutes.
5. SkyStriker has electric propulsion, and it makes much less sound, allowing covert operations at low altitudes.
6. SkyStriker uses autonomous navigation during its cruising and loitering phases.
7. When preparing to strike, it navigates based on its electro-optical “lock” on the target. During the strike phase, SkyStriker can dive at extremely high speeds of up to 300 knots and can withstand winds of up to 20 knots.
8. The system provides significant flexibility such as the ability to choose any target, to engage in any direction, and in various angles (shallow to steep) while significantly decreasing costs.
9. SkyStriker enables the operator to abort a strike up to two seconds to impact, to re-engage, and in case of lack of authorized targets to order a safe return home.
10. It can be used as a standalone system, it can also be used in multiples or as a swarm.
 |
| Elbit System's Sky-Striker Drone on Display. |
 |
| IAI Harop Loitering Munition System |
Top Defence Drone Contracts By Indian Armed Forces
The armed forces have signed contracts with Indian defense companies and startups under the fast-track process for acquisition of new-age weapons, according to people aware of the development, a move that will see home-grown systems speedily delivered to the frontline.
1. The army has placed its first-ever order for swarm drone systems that are capable of surveillance and attack missions, cutting-edge loitering munitions that are being made in India, and drones capable of carrying loads to high altitudes. Army has placed a Rs 200-cr order with Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research and Tech, to supply a system capable of surveillance, electronic warfare, and kinetic attack.
NewSpace Research is also working with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. for a futuristic air-launched swarm drone system, called Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), which envisages a manned aircraft capable of launching multiple drones to carry out high-risk missions, including taking down of enemy air defenses.
2. The air force has signed up for a mobile anti-drone system while the navy will get a similar system for its warships which are being processed under the fast-track procedure, and is part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
3. Noida-based startup Raphe mPhibr, has been awarded a contract for swarm drones as well as a load-carrying unmanned aerial vehicle that can be used to supply essentials to troops at difficult locations.
While the air force is also looking at swarm drones, the army has taken the lead to order the systems, catching up with similar efforts in the US, UK, Russia, and China to use multiple drones for carrying out coordinated military missions.
