India deploys indigenous ‘suicide drones’ in strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, PoK: Report
New Delhi: In a retaliatory move following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, the Indian Army reportedly carried out precision strikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using indigenously developed “suicide drones.”
Dubbed Operation Sindoor, the strikes signify a tactical evolution in India’s defence capabilities. According to defence sources, the operation marked the first known use of indigenously-manufactured loitering munition systems in an active combat scenario.
These drones, officially known as Low-Cost Miniature Swarm Drones or Loitering Munitions, are believed to be the SkyStriker variant, a product jointly developed by Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies and Israel’s Elbit Systems.
Unlike traditional UAVs, loitering munitions hover over target areas, identify threats, and strike with precision, effectively blending the features of surveillance drones and guided missiles. Each SkyStriker unit can carry a 5 to 10 kg warhead, has a range of around 100 kilometers, and operates silently due to its electric propulsion, making it ideal for low-altitude, stealth missions.
Sources indicate that the Indian Army placed an emergency order for around 100 SkyStriker drones in 2021, with manufacturing taking place at a facility in western Bengaluru. These drones are considered cost-effective and efficient tools against unconventional threats, providing frontline forces with real-time reconnaissance and offensive capabilities without endangering personnel.
Although there is no official confirmation from the Indian government about the use of these drones, political leaders across party lines have praised the armed forces for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has temporarily suspended flight operations at key airports including Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot amid heightened tensions.
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Sringeri postal ballot recount: Votes tampered with, alleges D.K. Shivakumar
Hospet: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday alleged large-scale tampering of postal ballots in the Sringeri constituency.
Speaking to the media near the Tungabhadra Dam, he said, “A large-scale crime has taken place in Sringeri. Tampering has been done using officials. More than 200 ballot papers have been tampered with.”
He further alleged that postal ballots were manipulated despite signatures being recorded during counting, calling it a “shame for the country.”
“They have tampered with the votes of our MLAs. Similar tampering has taken place in Jayanagar too. This is an insult to democracy. There should be a thorough investigation into this. The law will take its course. We will go to court,” he said.
