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2021-10-01

Indian Army Set to Get 100 ‘SkyStriker’ Drones

The Indian Army, using emergency procurement powers, signed an agreement recently for procurement of around 100 SkyStriker drones from Bangalore-based Alpha Design Technologies, as part of a joint venture (JV) with Israel-based Elbit Security Systems (ELSEC).

The loitering munition (LM) system, a type of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) built to engage beyond the line-of-sight ground targets with an explosive warhead, is being purchased under a contract worth Rs 100 crores (approx. US$13.7 million).

A loitering munition, also known as a suicide drone or kamikaze drone, is a weapon system in which the munition loiters around the target area for some time, searches for targets, and attacks immediately after a target is located. Such munitions enable quicker reaction times against hidden targets that emerge for short periods.

The purchase of the explosive-laden SkyStriker drones is expected to give a major boost to India’s drone arsenal.

Alpha Design Technologies Pvt Ltd. has been established with a view to put into action “Make in India” policy of the Government of India and specialises in Research & Development, manufacture, assembly, testing, qualification, integration & installation of Defence Electronics, Avionics & Space Satellites systems.

Elbit is a high technology company engaged in a wide range of programmes throughout the world, primarily in the defence and homeland security arenas.

According to a statement from Elbit System, SkyStriker is a cost-effective loitering munition that is capable of long-range precise tactical strikes. The technology-enabled SkyStriker improves performance, situational awareness and survivability by providing direct-fire aerial-precision capabilities to manoeuvrable troops and Special Forces.

SkyStriker is a fully autonomous Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) that can locate, acquire and strike operator-designated targets with a 5kg warhead installed inside the fuselage, enabling high-precision performance.

The system also provides significant flexibility such as the ability to choose any target, to engage at any direction and in various angles (shallow to steep) while significantly decreasing costs. Moreover, SkyStriker delivers high reliability to dismounted soldiers allowing them to engage and abort missions up to two seconds to impact, to re-engage and in case of lack of authorised targets to order a safe return home.

The UAS’ electric propulsion offers a minimal acoustic signature, allowing covert operations at low altitude operations. As a silent, invisible and surprise attacker, SkyStriker is said to deliver the utmost in precision and reliability, providing a critical advantage in the modern battlefield.

High-Speed Capability

SkyStriker can reach a distance of 20km within 10 minutes, thanks to its rapid flight speed capability. Upon reaching the target area, the UAV can loiter and pursue the target for up to two hours with a 5kg warhead or up to one hour with a 10kg warhead. At maximum speed (100 knots), it can reach a distance of 20km within 6.5 minutes, reducing the loitering time by 15 minutes.

Automatic Strike Advantage

SkyStriker uses autonomous navigation during its cruising and loitering phases. When preparing to strike, the UAV navigates based on its electro- optical “lock” on the target. During the strike phase, the LM can dive at extremely high speeds of up to 300 knots and can withstand winds of up to 20 knots. The maximum wind velocity for the strike leg is 40 knots with only slight degradation in performance accuracy.

Low Risk Factor

SkyStriker offers quick deployment and provides the fighting force with the ability to observe and identify an enemy target before delivering a rapid precision airstrike. Its remote operation capability ensures that operators are not exposed to detection or enemy fire while guiding the LM to its target.

The drones boast several special features, prime among which are electrical propulsion – for covert missions, long mission range; dual warhead configuration; abort, go-around and re-engage capabilities and single truck mobility.

Among the benefits listed by the makers of SkyStriker are that the drones are rapidly deployable, cost-effective, low acoustic signature, compact storage, minimal thermal signature and seamless maintenance and operation.

Elbit Systems had earlier sold its SkyStriker to Azerbaijan, making it the first non-Israeli recipient of the drone.

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