July 23, 2025:
In a major breakthrough for India’s indigenous defence innovation, two final-year students from BITS Pilani have successfully developed kamikaze drones — also known as loitering munitions — that have attracted the attention of the Indian Army. The drones, designed to detonate on impact after hovering over a target, have now received initial procurement orders from the Army.
The drones were created by students Akash Singh and Rohan Sharma, who have also established a defence-tech startup to scale production. The duo developed the drones with support from the BITS Pilani incubation centre and guidance from military advisors. According to reports, the drones are lightweight, cost-effective, and capable of operating in high-altitude regions, making them particularly suitable for deployment in border areas.
“These drones are designed to carry out precision strikes while being cost-efficient and adaptable to diverse terrains,” said Akash Singh in a press statement. “Our aim was to create a tactical asset that reduces dependency on foreign imports.”
The Indian Army placed the initial order after successful trials and demonstrations, where the drones performed with high accuracy and stability. The Army plans to test the drones under real combat conditions, especially in high-altitude zones along India’s northern frontiers.
Loitering munitions have gained strategic relevance globally, particularly in recent conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, where drones have proven their effectiveness in asymmetric warfare. The indigenous development by BITS students is being hailed as a significant step under the Government of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” defence initiatives.
Defence experts believe such student-led innovations represent the future of Indian military technology. The startup has also expressed interest in collaborating with public and private defence firms for advanced R&D and possible future exports.
The development underscores a growing trend of academic institutions contributing to national security solutions through cutting-edge research and innovation. If successful in field trials, these drones may soon form a crucial part of India’s tactical combat toolkit.
