CRPF seeks loitering munitions with dual surveillance, strike capability

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is actively exploring the procurement of loitering munitions—unmanned systems capable of both reconnaissance and precision strikes—to enhance its operational capabilities. The paramilitary force has formally sought information from defence vendors regarding available systems and their technical specifications.

Loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones or suicide drones, represent an emerging category of military technology that integrates aerial surveillance platforms with strike capabilities. Unlike traditional surveillance drones that are primarily reconnaissance-focused, these systems can loiter over target areas while relaying real-time intelligence before executing precision strikes when directed.

The CRPF's move reflects broader modernisation efforts across India's security forces to adopt advanced unmanned systems for counter-insurgency and internal security operations. Such platforms could prove particularly valuable in challenging terrains and high-threat environments where conventional operations face constraints.

Vendors have been given until the end of November to respond to the CRPF's request for information, detailing the specifications, operational range, payload capacity, and availability of loitering munitions systems. The timeline suggests the force is moving expeditiously toward potential acquisition decisions.