The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has initiated a procurement process for loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones, designed to perform both surveillance and strike missions. The force is looking for first-person-view (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of livestreaming ground imagery before destroying themselves upon impact with a designated objective.
According to documents circulated by the Directorate General of CRPF, the force expects these drones to possess an operational strike range of at least 15 km. The draft requirements, issued on November 5, request that original equipment manufacturers and vendors provide information and product specifications by November 25. The CRPF requires that vendors submit an authorisation certificate from the manufacturers they represent.
The force has set specific technical criteria for the drones, which must be lightweight—weighing no more than 7 kg including the battery, spool, and warhead. While the Indian Express reported that the drones must be capable of carrying a high-explosive warhead, the Hindustan Times specified that the requirements ask for the capacity to carry at least two high-explosive warheads weighing a minimum of 1.5 kg. The vehicles must also be able to land vertically within a 5x5 metre area.
Operational performance standards include a flight speed of 150 kmph or more with a full payload. The drones are expected to remain airborne for at least 30 minutes at 1,000 metres above mean sea level without the warhead and spool, or 20 minutes with the payload attached. The endurance capacity is expected to decrease by one-tenth for every additional 1,000 metres of altitude. Additionally, the drones must be capable of operating in wind conditions of 35 km/h or more during take-off, flight, and landing.
Key facts
- The CRPF issued draft qualitative requirements on November 5, with a submission deadline for vendors set for November 25.
- The drones must be capable of reaching targets at a minimum distance of 15 km.
- Maximum total weight for the unit, including battery and warhead, is capped at 7 kg.
- Required flight endurance is at least 30 minutes, with the drones designed for one-way missions.
- Drones must maintain operational stability in winds of 35 km/h or more.
Background
Loitering munitions are considered a key development in modern warfare, valued by security forces for their high level of precision against specific targets.
Source: Indian Express, Hindustan Times
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