Small and silent, strikes like a missile: Made-in-Bengaluru SkyStriker drones played key role during Operation Sindoor

AP photo

SkyStriker suicide drones, which are built to locate, lock and destroy targets for precision strikes, played a key role in Operation Sindoor alongside Scalp cruise missiles and HAMMER bombs.

These drones were built in Bengaluru by Alpha Design Technologies, a company that has teamed up with Israel’s Elbit Systems to manufacture the SkyStriker.

According to The Indian Express, defence sources have confirmed that Skystriker suicide drones were used in the operation.

TOI also reported that officials have confirmed the use of these drones; however, it was not revealed how many were deployed during the operation.

The SkyStriker is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known as a suicide or kamikaze drone. It can carry a warhead weighing up to 10 kilograms and is designed to attack with high precision from a long distance. Because it is small, silent, and fast, it can strike targets by surprise, making it highly effective in modern warfare. The drone gives troops on the ground better targeting ability and greater protection.

According to Elbit, the SkyStriker flies like a UAS (unmanned aircraft system) and strikes like a missile. "As a silent, invisible, and surprise attacker, SkyStriker delivers the utmost in precision and reliability, providing a critical advantage in the modern battlefield.

Alpha Design's CMD, Colonel (retd) HS Shankar, who declined to comment on reports about SkyStrikers playing a role in Operation Sindoor, was quoted by TOI as saying, "Such queries must only be referred to the government authorities."

India recently carried out a secretive military operation called Operation Sindoor during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday.