India Purchases Belarusian Berkut-BM Kamikaze Drones

India has acquired several dozen Belarusian-made Berkut-BM strike unmanned aerial vehicles, developed by the Belarus-based company Indela.

The Berkut-BM is a jet-powered loitering munition, according to Defence Blog.

The system is powered by a compact Chinese Swiwin micro turbojet engine, enabling high subsonic dash speeds. This propulsion configuration significantly reduces the platform’s vulnerability to interception by enemy air defense and counter-UAS systems, enhancing its survivability during terminal attack phases.

The system’s technical specifications indicate that the system is capable of reaching speeds of up to 410 km/h and has an operational range of approximately 150 km, depending on the mission profile and flight altitude.

The drone carries a 10 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, intended for the destruction of radar systems, air defense assets, artillery positions, and logistical hubs.

The Berkut-BM is launched via a catapult system, enabling deployment from forward operating positions without the need for runways or fixed launch infrastructure.

Previously, Belarus exported this system to Russia, Venezuela, Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces.