The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is preparing to acquire loitering munitions, commonly known as kamikaze drones, as it strengthens its operational capabilities in conflict-hit Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir.
The force has circulated a document inviting vendors to provide details of the systems they can supply by November 25. The document, titled Quality Requirements (QRs) and Trial Directives, sets out the specifications for the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which combine surveillance capabilities with the ability to carry out guided missile strikes. HT has seen a copy of the document.
Loitering munitions have become increasingly significant in modern warfare because of their precision and ability to identify and strike designated targets.
CRPF lays down specifications for loitering munitions
According to the document, the kamikaze drones must be capable of carrying two high-explosive warheads weighing at least 1.5 kg. They must have a minimum operational range of 15 km and remain airborne for at least 30 minutes while carrying the payload.
The stated role of the systems is to undertake one-way missions against designated objectives. The document describes them as remotely operated aerial vehicles with a killing or impact radius of 10 metres.
The CRPF has asked potential suppliers to submit information by November 25 on systems that meet these requirements.
Militant groups using drones and rocket launchers in Manipur
The proposed acquisition comes amid security challenges in Manipur, where armed groups have exploited the state's hilly terrain and forested areas to target security personnel.
Militant groups have been using drones against security forces and have also deployed country-made rocket launchers with ranges of around 10-15 km, operating from jungle hideouts.
The CRPF is deployed in Manipur, which has been affected by ethnic violence since 2023, as well as in Jammu and Kashmir, where insurgency has declined significantly.
The violence in Manipur has left around 370 people dead and displaced approximately 66,000 since 2023.
CoBRA commandos move from anti-Maoist operations to Manipur
The CRPF has also expanded the deployment of its specialised Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) in Manipur. The force, trained in guerrilla tactics, intelligence gathering and jungle warfare, had primarily been used in anti-Maoist operations since its formation in 2008.
Two CoBRA battalions were moved out of their traditional anti-Maoist deployment areas and sent to Manipur for the first time. The Union Home Ministry ordered their deployment within two months of Home Minister Amit Shah declaring India Maoist-free on March 31, following the surrender, arrest or killing of top Maoist leaders.
The move coincided with escalating ethnic tensions in Manipur. The two battalions have since been involved in several major counter-insurgency operations.
People familiar with the matter said CoBRA commandos had participated in almost every major anti-insurgency operation in the state over the preceding six months, with encouraging initial results.
One source said the commandos had been successfully adapted to the situation in Manipur. They were selected to lead an operation to take over a militant camp at Sinai last month and had also participated in major arms seizures since May, besides helping arrest insurgents suspected of involvement in recent killings.
Manipur has sought two additional CoBRA battalions, according to people aware of the matter. One of them is expected to arrive soon, with a battalion comprising around 1,000 personnel.
A second source said the commandos had been sent to areas where the conflict had intensified over the past six months and had delivered positive results.
Further deployment planned as security operations expand
An official said regular Central Armed Police Forces personnel would continue to remain deployed in areas previously affected by Left Wing Extremism, while specialised CoBRA units would increasingly be assigned to Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir.
The officer said a third CoBRA battalion was expected to be deployed in Manipur shortly, while a similar deployment in Jammu and Kashmir could take place in the coming years.
The move follows a broader reinforcement of security deployment in Manipur. In October, reports indicated that another CoBRA battalion and five companies of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police were being sent to the state amid renewed tensions and concerns over the security situation.
The CRPF had also tightened its operational protocols in Manipur earlier this year following attacks on security personnel. Revised instructions required personnel to use bulletproof vehicles for movement and avoid unnecessary travel. Around 100 armoured vehicles were planned for deployment to improve troop protection.
The proposed acquisition of loitering munitions would add another capability to the force's expanding operational toolkit as it responds to the use of drones and other weapons by armed groups in difficult terrain.