GS Paper - III

Suicide drones, also known as loitering munitions, have emerged as a critical component in modern warfare, offering countries a strategic advantage in both offensive and defensive operations.

These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are designed to carry explosives and are intended to crash directly into enemy targets, effectively acting as precision-guided missiles. Unlike traditional drones that return after surveillance or strike missions, suicide drones are a one-way weapon, sacrificing themselves in the process of destroying the target.

Global Proliferation of Suicide Drones

• Israel: Israel is a pioneer in the development of suicide drones, with its HAROP drone being one of the most well-known in the world.
• The HAROP is a loitering munition that can fly over 1,000 kilometers and is designed to seek out and destroy radar systems.
• It has been exported to various countries, including India and Azerbaijan, and has been used in conflicts like the Nagorno-Karabakh war.
• United States: The U.S. military has integrated suicide drones into its arsenal, with systems like the Switchblade drone, developed by AeroVironment.
• The Switchblade is a portable, tube-launched drone that provides infantry units with a precision-guided strike capability.
• It has been used in operations in Afghanistan and more recently supplied to Ukraine for its defence against Russian aggression.
• Russia: Russia has also invested in loitering munitions, with the Lancet-3 being a prominent example.
• Iran: Iran‘s drone program has seen significant growth in recent years, with suicide drones being a key component.
• The Shahed-136 is one of Iran’s notable loitering munitions, capable of long-range strikes.
• China: China has developed its own line of suicide drones, such as the CH-901. These drones are part of China’s broader efforts to modernize its military and enhance its strike capabilities.
• The CH-901 has been marketed internationally, with potential buyers in the Middle East and Africa.