India eyes drones that helicopters can launch, control and send 80km into enemy territory
Helicopter-launched munitions are rapidly advancing aerial warfare capabilities globally. India is developing similar systems for its air force and transport aircraft. These systems offer enhanced strike and surveillance options for military operations. Other nations like the United States and China are also pursuing these technologies. Such air-deployable munitions are poised to become a…
India is pursuing the development of helicopter-launched drones capable of striking targets up to 80 kilometers away in enemy territory. Recent trials have demonstrated the potential of these loitering munitions, as a US Army H-60M Black Hawk crew successfully launched the Altius-700, which autonomously located and struck a target without putting the helicopter crew at risk.
Israel has also been active in this area, with a private firm developing a system that allows helicopters to deploy its Hero-120 loitering munition and hand control to ground forces for beyond-line-of-sight engagements. India's air force is seeking non-line-of-sight guided ammunition for its helicopters, with a target range of 50 to 60 kilometers and the ability to hit both armored and soft targets through real-time video feed and man-in-the-loop control.
Additionally, India has released a request for proposals for drones deployable from helicopters, aiming for an 80-kilometer range and a 500-gram warhead, as well as a separate request for information on loitering munitions launched from transport aircraft with a 500-kilometer range, a 30-kilogram warhead, and cruising speeds of 350-400 kilometers per hour.
This push for advanced aerial capabilities is part of a broader trend among countries like the US, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, all reportedly developing similar concepts for modern air combat.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
