Introduction
In recent years, loitering munitions — often dubbed “suicide drones” — have emerged as a transformative asset on modern battlefields, combining the endurance of drones with the destructive power of missiles. Among these, the Iranian Shahed-136 class loitering munition has gained notoriety for its long-range, low-cost, and effective operational use in various conflict zones. Recognizing the strategic value of such systems, several Indian defence startups are now racing to develop indigenous versions inspired by the Shahed-136, aiming to bolster India’s missile arsenal and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
This blog explores the ongoing innovation within India’s private defence sector, the operational role of Shahed-136 class loitering munitions, the challenges startups face, and the broader military-strategic and geopolitical implications for India.
Understanding Shahed-136 Class Loitering Munitions
The Shahed-136 is a long-range, loitering munition primarily designed for precision strikes against high-value targets. It is characterized by its ability to loiter over battlefields or behind enemy lines for extended periods before striking, enabling flexible target acquisition and minimizing collateral damage. Its low cost and relative simplicity make it attractive for asymmetric warfare, where traditional air assets may be constrained.
Operationally, these munitions fill the gap between traditional cruise missiles and UAVs, offering a versatile tool for surveillance, target designation, and strike missions. Their use has highlighted the changing face of warfare, where unmanned systems increasingly dominate tactical and operational decision-making.
Indian Startups Leading the Charge
India’s private defence sector has been invigorated by the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which encourages indigenous innovation and manufacturing in advanced weapon systems. Several startups have identified the strategic niche of Shahed-136 class loitering munitions and are actively developing affordable, long-range variants tailored to Indian operational requirements.
Profiles and Progress
Startup A (name confidential due to security protocols) is developing a loitering munition with a range exceeding 1,000 km, integrating advanced navigation and target recognition technologies. Their focus is on modular design, allowing payload customization for different mission profiles.
Startup B specializes in lightweight airframes with enhanced endurance, incorporating indigenous propulsion systems aimed at cost-effectiveness and ease of production.
Startup C is collaborating with DRDO under the new SAMAR (Start-up Assessment and Monitoring for Advanced Readiness) framework — set to become mandatory for defence industry partners by May 2027 — ensuring compliance with stringent quality and operational standards.
Despite promising technological strides, these startups confront challenges such as securing sufficient funding, accessing cutting-edge composite materials, and navigating complex certification processes like those managed by CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification) to attain operational clearance.
Impact on India’s Missile Arsenal and Defence Posture
The integration of Shahed-136 class loitering munitions into India’s missile inventory represents a qualitative leap in tactical capabilities, particularly in asymmetric warfare scenarios against adversaries employing hybrid or proxy tactics.
Enhanced Tactical Flexibility: Loitering munitions provide Indian armed forces with persistent surveillance coupled with strike capability, crucial for counter-insurgency, border skirmishes, and pre-emptive strikes along contentious frontiers such as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
Cost-Effective Force Multiplier: These systems offer a lower-cost alternative to traditional cruise missiles and manned strike aircraft, enabling saturation attacks and complicating enemy air defence planning.
Export Potential: Success in indigenous development can position India as a competitive supplier in global defence markets, especially to friendly nations seeking affordable and effective loitering munitions amid increasing demand worldwide.
Geopolitical and Regional Security Implications
The development of indigenous loitering munitions amid an uncertain regional security environment has significant geopolitical ramifications.
Countering Emerging Threats: With Iran’s Shahed-136 gaining operational visibility and regional adversaries experimenting with similar systems, India’s ability to field comparable or superior indigenous munitions will be critical to maintaining strategic deterrence.
Strategic Autonomy: By reducing reliance on foreign technology, India strengthens its defence industrial base and safeguards sensitive technologies from export restrictions or geopolitical pressure.
Asymmetric Warfare Edge: Loitering munitions enhance India’s asymmetric warfare toolkit, providing options for surgical strikes without escalating to full-scale conventional warfare, a vital capability given the complex security challenges in South Asia.
Diplomatic Signaling: Developing such advanced weapon systems demonstrates India’s growing technological prowess and can be leveraged diplomatically to forge new defence partnerships and influence regional power balances.
Conclusion
The race among Indian defence startups to develop Shahed-136 class loitering munitions reflects a broader strategic shift towards self-reliance in high-technology weapon systems under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. While challenges remain, the successful induction of these systems promises to expand India’s tactical options, enhance border security, and strengthen its position in the global defence market.
As certification frameworks and quality assurance protocols like SAMAR and CEMILAC evolve, they will underpin the operational credibility of these indigenous systems. Coupled with advances in drone technology and missile guidance, India is poised to transform its missile arsenal with affordable, effective loitering munitions that can redefine its asymmetric warfare posture in a volatile regional security environment.
Key Takeaways
- Indian startups are innovating to develop affordable, long-range Shahed-136 inspired loitering munitions, enhancing indigenous missile capabilities.
- These munitions offer India enhanced tactical flexibility, a cost-effective strike option, and potential for defence exports.
- The development aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals, contributing to strategic autonomy and bolstering asymmetric warfare options amid evolving regional threats.
Sources
Defence News India, “Several Indian Defence Startups Race to Build Affordable Shahed-136 Class Long-Range Loitering Munition for Domestic and Global Markets,” 2026.
https://www.defencenews.in/threads/several-indian-defence-startups-race-to-build-affordable-shahed-136-class-long-range-loitering-munition-for-domestic-and-global-markets.17166/DRDO Official, “SAMAR Assessment Model Mandatory for the Industry Partners Dealing with DRDO w.e.f. 01 May 2027,” 2026.
https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/en/announcement/samar-assessment-model-mandatory-industry-partners-dealing-drdo-wef-01-may-2027DRDO Official, “e-Certification Portal (CEMILAC),” 2026.
https://cemilac.drdo.gov.in/ecp/
