Kamikaze Drones

Following a Pakistani military attack on 26 locations across India, several foreign-manufactured drones were recovered from border regions, indicating sophisticated use of unmanned aerial technology in the conflict:

Recovered Drones:

• Turkish-origin Songar drones
• Chinese Byker YIHA III kamikaze UAVs
  • Found in Jammu Naushera and Punjab’s Amritsar

About Kamikaze Drones (Loitering Munitions):

• Function: Hover over a target area, identify threats, and crash into targets with explosive payloads.
• Nature: Single-use, remotely operated or autonomous.
• Name Origin: Derived from WWII Japanese “kamikaze” pilots—suicide bombers.
• Capabilities:
  • Precision targeting
  • Small warheads for destroying radars, vehicles, and infrastructure
  • Electro-optical systems for guidance
• Advantages:
  • Dual function: Combines surveillance and strike in one unit
  • Effective for surgical strikes with reduced collateral damage

Notable Model: Songar Drone

• Origin: Developed by Turkish defense firm Asisguard (Ankara)
• Significance: First armed drone deployed by the Turkish military