The Indian Army deployed indigenously developed loitering munitions, commonly known as suicide drones, during precision strikes in Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied regions. The SkyStriker drones, developed through a joint venture between Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies Limited (ADTL) and Israel’s Elbit Systems, were hailed as a proud achievement by Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, who noted, “The deployment of SkyStriker drones in #OperationSindoor marks yet another contribution by our city & our thriving defence manufacturing ecosystem… A proud moment for Namma Bengaluru.”

The UAVs made their operational debut during this high-stakes mission, showcasing their ability to locate, hover over, and destroy enemy targets with precision. Each drone is capable of carrying a 5-kilogram explosive payload and operating at low altitudes within a 100-kilometre range, making them especially effective in anti-terror operations involving deep-strike and search-and-destroy missions.

These drones were inducted into the Indian Army under a 2021 contract for 100 units and have since added a sharp edge to India’s rapidly modernising military arsenal. Alongside advanced Scalp cruise missiles and HAMMER bombs, SkyStrikers formed part of a coordinated strike strategy during Operation Sindoor.

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Surya also highlighted Bengaluru’s pivotal role in powering India’s defence sector, emphasising the city’s thriving ecosystem of Defence PSUS and startups that continue to fuel technological innovation and national security advancements. As India deepens its self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the successful deployment of SkyStriker drones represents a milestone in indigenous military innovation and operational effectiveness.