IIT Kanpur unveils radar-evading, AI-enabled Kamikaze drone for advanced defense operations | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a major step towards advancing defense capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has launched an indigenous Kamikaze dronealso known as a suicide drone. This state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can carry a warhead weighing up to 6 kg and has an operational range of 100 km.
In a development update last week, IIT Kanpur on social media it says that VU Dynamics, a startup founded in 2022, with roots in the institution, is developing the indigenous UAV. “The company “VU Dynamics” is currently developing one indigenous UAV called Kamikaze, specifically designed to strengthen our armed forces. With a range of 100 km and an endurance of 50 minutes, this vehicle has been completely designed and manufactured at the UAV Laboratory of IIT Kanpur under the guidance of co-founder Prof. Subrahmanyam Saderla of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, IITK. it said X.

The Kamikaze UAV is specifically designed to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces and has an endurance of 50 minutes per mission. The drone is 2 meters long and has a foldable fixed-wing design for easy transport. It can be launched using a catapult or canister launcher and works autonomously using AI-based algorithms, allowing it to navigate enemy territory and neutralize targets even without GPS support.
The drone’s battery-powered system can deliver its payload in just 40 minutes, ensuring greater efficiency during operations. Equipped with a built-in high-resolution camera, it can transmit real-time images of enemy positions, making it a valuable tool for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
The UAV is built for all-weather operations, day and night, and can operate at altitudes up to 4.5 km. Its advanced stealth technology allows it to avoid detection by enemy radar, adding a layer of tactical superiority.
Kamikaze drones are increasingly used in global conflicts due to their ability to deliver surgical strikes while minimizing risks to personnel. The IIT Kanpur prototype aims to position India as a leader in this strategic domain.
Experts believe that the drone’s compact design, high payload and radar-evading capabilities could make it a game changer for the Indian Armed Forces. Its indigenous character is in line with the government’s aim for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defense production.
IIT Kanpur is a leading drone manufacturer for India. Earlier this year, IIT Kanpur’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Center (SIIC) joined forces with the Center of Excellence for Capacity Building, Training, and Design of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drone CoE Kanpur), an initiative of the UP government and the Drone Federation of India (DFI) launches the UAV/UAS/Drone Acceleration and Networking (UDAAN) programme.
In another production, IIT-K and AVPL International, a leading company in the Indian agriculture drone ecosystem, came together to jointly develop advanced drones equipped with cutting-edge technology, designed to address the challenges faced by large-scale landowners in India are confronted. Australia, Austria and several European countries.