On 19–20 June 2026 Indian firm SMPP signed an agreement with European consortium KNDS at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris to manufacture loitering munitions in India.
SMPP–KNDS Agreement
- Scope: Manufacture KNDS VELOCE and RODEUR loitering munition systems and the ISTAR family of drones in India.
- Technology transfer: Agreement targets indigenous production under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India to reduce import dependence.
- Precedent: Builds on a November 2025 teaming agreement between SMPP and KNDS for the KATANA® 155 mm precision-guided artillery munition.
Systems and Capabilities
- VELOCE & RODEUR: Loitering munitions designed for search-and-destroy missions and tactical target engagement.
- ISTAR drones: Provide intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance functions.
- Agniveg (SMPP): SMPP delivered 106 systems to the Indian Army; reported range about 180 km.
- Vijayastra (Solar Defence): MALE UAV unveiled 20 June 2026 for long-range surveillance and precision strikes.
- DRDO developments: Stealth jet-powered swarm loitering munitions under development with strike ranges up to 600 km.
Operational & Platform Integration
- Army requirement: Indian Army has an urgent requirement for advanced loitering munitions.
- Launch integration: Army exploring launches from 81 mm smoke grenade launchers on T-72, T-90 and Arjun tanks.
- IAF project: Development of indigenous long-range kamikaze drones mandated to exclude Chinese components.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Agencies: DRDO, Indian Army and Indian Air Force are primary state actors for loitering-munition programmes.
- Policy framework: Defence Acquisition Procedure emphasises technology transfer and indigenous manufacture for strategic systems.