Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. successfully conducted the maiden flight of the Divyastra Mk3, India's first indigenously developed jet-powered loitering munition [1, 2].
The test represents a significant step in India's effort to reduce reliance on foreign military imports. By developing high-speed precision strike capabilities domestically, the country strengthens its strategic autonomy in unmanned aerial systems.
The flight took place at the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor in Lucknow [2]. Developed by Kawa UAV, also known as HoverIt, the Divyastra Mk3 is designed as a next-generation loitering munition, a type of drone that can linger over a target area before striking [1, 2].
This project aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to make India self-reliant in the manufacturing of defense equipment [1, 2]. The use of jet propulsion distinguishes the Mk3 from many smaller, propeller-driven loitering munitions, potentially offering higher speeds and greater range for tactical operations.
Company co-founders oversaw the maiden test, which verified the basic flight characteristics of the airframe and propulsion system [2]. The successful flight confirms the viability of the indigenous design within the Lucknow-based defense hub.
While specific technical specifications regarding the payload or exact range were not disclosed during the announcement, the successful launch marks the transition from design to active testing for the platform [1, 2].
“India's first indigenously developed jet-powered loitering munition”
The successful flight of the Divyastra Mk3 signals a shift in India's drone capabilities from surveillance and slow-speed attack drones to high-speed jet-powered munitions. This development suggests that India is prioritizing the domestic production of 'kamikaze' drones to match modern electronic warfare and rapid-deployment trends seen in recent global conflicts, further integrating the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor into the national security infrastructure.
