India Project KAL: IG Defence has revealed a new unmanned combat drone known as Project KAL. This drone is being designed as a long-range strike system that can travel deep into enemy territory and attack important targets without putting pilots in danger.
The drone is planned to fly as far as 1,000 kilometres and stay in the air for about three to five hours. Because of this long reach the drone could attack targets located far beyond the frontline during a conflict.
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The first look at the drone was recently shown by IG Defence.
How the Drone Works?
Project KAL is designed as a one-way strike drone. In simple terms the drone carries explosives and flies toward its target. Once it identifies the target it crashes into it to destroy it. Because it sacrifices itself during the attack these systems are often called loitering munitions.
The drone can travel long distances before striking. It is expected to reach up to 1,000 km and remain in the air for about three to five hours. This allows it to move deep into contested areas where enemy air defences may be present.
During its mission the drone can search for the target area and adjust its path if needed. When the right moment comes it can hit the target with precision using its explosive payload.
The system is expected to focus on high-value military targets. These may include radar stations logistics hubs strategic military facilities and other key assets. Hitting such locations can weaken an enemy’s command and supply networks during wartime.
Long-Range Strike Drones are Becoming Important
Around the world many recent conflicts have shown how powerful long-range drones can be. Systems such as the Shahed-136 used by Iran have shown that relatively simple unmanned aircraft can travel hundreds of kilometres and strike distant targets.
These drones are effective because they are cheaper than missiles or fighter jets. Countries can build them in large numbers and launch many of them at once. When a swarm of drones attacks it can overwhelm air defence systems. In such situations defenders often have to use very expensive interceptor missiles to shoot down relatively cheap drones. This creates a strong cost advantage for the side using the drones.
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This pattern has been seen during recent tensions involving Iran the United States and Israel. In that region waves of drones and missiles have been launched at targets across long distances.
India’s Project KAL is meant to give the country its own version of long-range strike drones. By developing the technology locally India hopes to reduce dependence on foreign systems while strengthening its military capabilities.
Maj Gen R.C. Padhi (Retd.), Senior Vice President at IG Defence, spoke about how unmanned systems are changing warfare.
