Indian Navy explores ship-launched loitering munitions for long-range strikes

New Delhi: The Indian Navy is looking to add a new unmanned strike capability to its warships, with the Ministry of Defence issuing a request for information (RFI) for a medium-range loitering munition. The proposed system would be launched from ships and could search for targets before carrying out a final strike against maritime or land targets.

The RFI calls for a minimum range of 1,000km and an endurance of at least nine hours. It also specifies a cruising speed of more than 75 knots, a terminal attack speed of more than 200 knots and an operating ceiling of 15,000 feet. 

The system would use electro-optical and infrared sensors for navigation, surveillance and target identification. These would combine a day camera with infrared imaging to allow the munition to operate in both day and night conditions. The RFI also calls for a forward-mounted warhead for the final attack.

What is a loitering munition?

A loitering munition is an unmanned weapon that can remain in an area while searching for a target before making its final attack. Unlike a conventional missile, which is generally directed towards a designated target, a loitering munition can spend time over the target area before striking.

The Navy is also seeking autonomous navigation features if the communication link with the operator is lost. The system would be required to continue towards the last known position of its control terminal and, if contact cannot be restored, move to a pre-designated safe termination point.

The RFI also seeks the ability to transfer control of a munition in flight between different ships, stations or a shore-based unit. This would allow control to shift between platforms during a mission.

Navy expands unmanned capabilities

The requirement comes as the Indian Navy expands its use of unmanned systems. On July 3, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of naval shipborne unmanned aerial systems (NSUAS) for the Navy. The MoD said the systems would be equipped with advanced sensors to improve the Navy’s situational awareness.

The two capabilities would serve different roles. The NSUAS is intended to strengthen surveillance and situational awareness, while the proposed loitering munition would add a potential long-range strike capability to naval platforms.

The wider armed forces are also developing unmanned strike systems. In June, the Indian Air Force issued a limited tender for the development of one-way attack unmanned aerial systems (OWA-UAS) with Indian companies. The programme is aimed at developing indigenous long-range one-way attack systems.

The Indian Army has also moved to expand its use of loitering munitions. The DAC approved a loitering munition system for the Indian Army’s artillery regiments in December 2025, while the MoD has said weaponized Nagastra loitering munitions have been supplied to the Army.

From surveillance to strike

The Navy’s latest requirement points to a broader approach in which unmanned systems are being developed for different stages of the targeting process. Shipborne surveillance systems can help detect and monitor activity, while loitering munitions can potentially provide a strike option against identified targets.

The approach is also being explored by other navies. On July 3, the Royal Navy successfully launched a strike-capable one-way drone from a ship at sea under Project Vantage. The trial was part of Britain’s effort to develop a “hybrid navy” that combines uncrewed systems with conventional warships.

For the Indian Navy, however, the latest development remains at the RFI stage. The RFI is intended to gather information on available systems and industry capabilities, it is not a procurement order. Any eventual acquisition would require further evaluation, trials and the formal procurement process.

The requirement nevertheless indicates a shift in the Navy’s unmanned systems approach – from using such platforms mainly for surveillance and situational awareness towards adding longer-range strike capabilities to conventional warships.