Imagined in Israel, built in Bengaluru, how SkyStriker suicide drones hit terror targets during Operation Sindoor
When India launched 'Operation Sindoor' in the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, SkyStriker suicide drones built in Bengaluru played a crucial role in destroying terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Defence sources in Delhi confirmed that Skystriker suicide drones were used in the operation. Bengaluru-headquartered Alpha Design Technologies, in partnership with Israel's Elbit Systems, manufactured the drones in Bengaluru. Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited has a 26 per cent stake in Alpha Design Technologies.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Colonel (retd) H S Shankar, Chief Managing Director, Alpha Design Technologies, said the Ministry of Defence has asked him not to speak to the media.
Incidentally, H S Shankar, who has served in Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) before, was the project director when Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were designed.
According to the sources, the Indian Army had placed an order for 100 SkyStrikers in 2021, and the SkyStriker drone was also exhibited during the Aero India expo that year. However, the defence forces have not disclosed the number of SkyStrikers used for Operation Sindoor.
Elbit, which conceptualised the SkyStriker drone, has mentioned on its website that the unmanned aircraft system is capable of carrying out long-range, precise tactical strikes.
The SkyStriker suicide drone can carry a warhead of up to 10 kg.
Elbit states, 'As a silent, invisible, and surprise attacker, SkyStriker delivers the utmost in precision and reliability, providing a critical advantage in the modern battlefield. SkyStriker provides manoeuvrable troops and Special Forces with direct-fire aerial-precision capabilities, enhancing situational awareness and survivability.'
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