The Indian Army has developed a new, high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can support precision intelligence, surveillance, and combat missions.
Named “Kharga,” the UAV can reach a speed of up to 40 meters (131 feet) per second, surpassing the speed of the US military’s RQ-20 Puma drone and matching that of the MQ-27 ScanEagle drone.
It boasts a maximum payload capacity of 700 grams (1.5 pounds), enough to carry powerful explosives.
Despite being outfitted with a GPS navigation system, the Kharga drone can operate in contested and denied environments, thanks to advanced electronic warfare countermeasures.
It features a high-resolution camera, enabling it to support reconnaissance missions at ranges of over 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles).
A Cost-Effective Innovation
Developed as part of India’s drive for self-reliance in defense, the Kharga drone strikes a balance between modern capabilities and affordability.
Each unit only costs 30,000 rupees ($353), according to local reports.
The platform is expected to play a critical role in defense, supporting modern aerial warfare while ensuring economic efficiency.
It remains unclear when the Indian Army plans to field the new kamikaze drone.
Expanding Drone Arsenal
In addition to the Kharga, the Indian Army recently introduced the Sirin Hexadrone, an innovative hexacopter that can be outfitted with a machine gun for combat operations.
It also tested several domestically-built drones capable of flying at above 15,000 feet (4,572 meters).
Last week, the army inducted the “Sabal 20” UAV, featuring a design similar to Boeing’s Chinook helicopter.
