Military deploys suicide drones close to Line of Control in Pathankot
### Breaking News: Indian Army Deploys First-of-its-Kind Kamikaze Anti-Tank Drone at Pathankot
The Indian Army has made a significant leap in modern warfare technology with the deployment of a first-of-its-kind First-Person View (FPV) kamikaze anti-tank drone at Pathankot, near the Line of Control with Pakistan. This groundbreaking project, initiated by the Fleur-De-Lis Brigade, is a testament to India's growing capabilities in unmanned warfare systems and a shift towards indigenous defense technologies.
The FPV drone, developed in collaboration with the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, has undergone rigorous trials, including explosive testing, aerial vehicle assessments, and trigger system evaluations. The trials have confirmed the drone's effectiveness, accuracy, and reliability in payload delivery.
The drone, developed by the Second Armoured Brigade, is a single-use, highly maneuverable, and efficient device, designed to engage armored targets. It is equipped with an impact-based, kamikaze-role anti-tank munition and a live feedback relay system that provides the pilot with real-time payload status updates through FPV goggles.
The drone's design and development are a result of over 100 units being fabricated at the Rising Star Drone Battle School, highlighting the self-reliant approach to ensure structural integrity, weight distribution, and flight dynamics tailored for operational deployment. A dual-safety mechanism has been incorporated into the payload system to prevent accidental detonation during transport, handling, and flight, enhancing operator safety and reliability.
The Army is planning to acquire 95 more of these drones, each costing Rs 1.4 lakh. This development signifies a potential increase in demand for advanced drone systems both domestically and internationally.
Major Cephas Chetan and Dr Raghavendra of the DRDO's Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, collaborated on the development of the drone. Each trial phase was validated by TBRL scientists, ensuring complete control over build quality, component integration, and real-time modifications as per TBRL directives.
This approach optimized structural integrity, weight distribution, and flight dynamics, making the drone highly maneuverable and efficient for operational deployment. The Rising Star Drone Battle School, which has fabricated over 100 drones within the formation as of March 2025, plays a crucial role in assembling these drones in-house, ensuring quality control and real-time modifications as per TBRL directives.
This first-of-its-kind project in the Indian Army marks a game-changing force multiplier in modern tactical engagements, demonstrating India's commitment to enhancing low-cost, high-impact aerial strike systems.
The Indian Army's deployment of the First-Person View (FPV) kamikaze anti-tank drone at Pathankot signifies a significant advancement in the field of technology, particularly in unmanned warfare systems and defense technologies. The drone, developed in collaboration with the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), showcases India's growing capabilities in technology and engineering.
