Indigenous SkyStriker Loitering Munitions Used in 'Operation Sindoor'
India's recent retaliatory military action, "Operation Sindoor," reportedly marked the operational debut of the indigenously developed SkyStriker loitering munition system These are referred as a "suicide" or "kamikaze" drone. Sources indicate these advanced munitions were employed alongside with other precision weapons – Scalp cruise missiles and HAMMER bombs, during the strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday, May 7th.
SkyStriker: Features and Induction
Developed by the Bengaluru-based firm Alpha Design Technologies Ltd (ADTL) in collaboration with Israel's Elbit Systems, the SkyStriker is designed as a cost-effective solution for precision strikes. These loitering munitions are capable of autonomously locating, acquiring, and striking enemy targets by crashing into them with an integrated warhead, reportedly up to 5kg. They possess a range of approximately 100 km, offering a significant stand-off capability. The Indian Army inducted these systems following a procurement contract signed in 2021 for 100 units.
Deployment in 'Operation Sindoor'
According to sources, the SkyStrikers were effectively utilized during "Operation Sindoor," launched from forward areas in Jammu and Kashmir to engage infrastructure targets across the border in PoK. Their capabilities make them particularly suitable for counter-terrorism operations and "shoot-to-kill" missions against targets like enemy drone systems, radar installations, or militant launch pads, complementing other long-range strike assets used in the operation.
The reported operational deployment of the SkyStriker system during "Operation Sindoor" signifies advancement in India's precision strike capabilities, and integration of indigenously developed unmanned aerial military engagements. This debut confirms the capabilities for using in targeted anti-terror operations which requires high accuracy and responsiveness.
