Introduction
In a major leap for indigenous precision-strike military technology, India's first fully indigenous jet-powered loitering munition (kamikaze drone), 'Divyastra Mk3', successfully cleared its maiden flight trials and high-speed target acquisition tests at the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor on 18 August 2026.
Technological Architecture & Tactical Capabilities
Developed by Indian deep-tech defence startup Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd., the munition integrates state-of-the-art indigenous jet propulsion:
- Domestic Micro-Turbojet Propulsion: Powered by an indigenous compact micro-turbojet engine developed by DG Propulsion, enabling high-subsonic cruise speeds exceeding 450 km/h and a strike range of over 120 kilometres.
- Precision Target Tracking: Fitted with AI-enabled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) dual-channel seekers, capable of autonomous target recognition and precision terminal homing on enemy command bunkers, air defence radars, and armored vehicle columns.
- Swarm Intelligence: Capable of encrypted swarm networking and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) strike missions with anti-jamming satellite communication protocols.
Key Facts
- Weapon System: 'Divyastra Mk3' Jet-Powered Loitering Munition (Kamikaze Drone)
- Manufacturer: Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (Indian Deep-Tech Defence Enterprise)
- Propulsion System: Indigenous Micro-Turbojet Engine by DG Propulsion
- Test Location: Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UP DIC)
- Operational Speed & Range: Subsonic (>450 km/h) with 120+ km strike radius
Exam Perspective
For TNPSC and UPSC examinations, this topic covers Defence Indigenisation, Unmanned Aerial Systems (Loitering Munitions / Kamikaze Drones), UP & Tamil Nadu Defence Corridors, and Make in India in Defence in GS Paper III.
Conclusion
The successful test of the jet-powered Divyastra Mk3 demonstrates India's maturing private defence-industrial ecosystem in fielding cutting-edge autonomous strike systems.