LUCKNOW — March 28, 2026 : Lucknow-based defence technology startup HoverIt has reported significant progress in its indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs, with the DIVYASTRA MK1 loitering munition currently undergoing flight trials and the next-generation DIVYASTRA MK2 long-range strike UAV entering taxi trials. The developments mark a coordinated advancement in India’s domestic unmanned combat systems ecosystem under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Parallel Development of Tactical and Strategic UAV Systems
HoverIt is pursuing a dual-track development approach, simultaneously advancing a tactical loitering munition (MK1) and a long-range autonomous strike UAV (MK2). The two platforms are designed to address different operational requirements, ranging from battlefield-level engagements to deep strike missions in contested environments.
The systems are being developed at the company’s facility in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, with planned production at the Lucknow node. The location provides proximity to established defence manufacturing entities such as BrahMos Aerospace and PTC Industries.
DIVYASTRA MK1: Tactical Strike, ISR, and Decoy Operations
The DIVYASTRA MK1 is an AI-enabled loitering munition designed for multi-role tactical operations. It integrates precision strike capability, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and decoy functions within a single platform.
The UAV has an operational range of 500 km and endurance of up to five hours, enabling extended loitering over target areas. It carries a payload of up to 15 kg and achieves attack speeds between 300 and 400 km/h during the terminal phase.
HoverIt stated that the MK1 is capable of supporting real-time battlefield intelligence gathering alongside autonomous target engagement, using onboard processing systems to identify and engage targets with limited human intervention. The platform includes AI-assisted targeting, autonomous navigation, and swarm-enabled coordination, allowing multiple units to operate in a synchronized manner.
In addition to strike roles, the MK1 is configured for decoy operations, where it can deliberately trigger adversary radar emissions. This function enables the identification and mapping of enemy air defence systems without exposing manned aircraft to risk.
DIVYASTRA MK2: Long-Range Autonomous Strike Platform
The DIVYASTRA MK2, currently in taxi trial phase, represents a shift toward long-range, high-endurance autonomous strike capabilities. The UAV is designed for deep strike missions, long-range surveillance, and precision targeting in hostile and heavily defended airspace.
Projected specifications for the MK2 include an operational range of 1,500 to 2,000 km and flight endurance of 8 to 12 hours, supporting extended missions deep inside adversary territory. The platform is expected to carry a payload of 50 to 100 kg, with configurations that may include high-explosive warheads, ISR sensor suites, or electronic warfare systems.
The UAV operates at a cruise speed of approximately 180 km/h, with a terminal attack speed of 300 to 400 km/h, aligning with strike mission requirements.
HoverIt has indicated that the MK2 is designed to move beyond traditional loitering munitions into the category of long-range autonomous strike systems, capable of both independent operations and integration into networked combat environments.
AI Swarm Capability and Electronic Warfare Resilience
A central feature of both DIVYASTRA platforms, particularly the MK2, is the integration of AI-driven swarm intelligence. This capability enables multiple UAVs to coordinate missions simultaneously, allowing for saturation attacks against advanced air defence networks and improved mission effectiveness through distributed operations.
The systems are engineered for operations in GPS-denied environments, incorporating advanced navigation systems and anti-jamming technologies. HoverIt confirmed that the UAVs use encrypted, sovereign command and control (C2) links, designed to prevent interception and ensure secure communication during missions.
These features are intended to enhance survivability in electronically contested battlefields, where adversaries may deploy signal jamming and cyber-electronic warfare measures.
Operational Roles and Deployment Concepts
According to HoverIt, the DIVYASTRA MK1 is suited for tactical missions, including:
- Precision strikes on battlefield targets
- ISR and real-time intelligence gathering
- Decoy deployment to expose enemy radar systems
- Saturation and coordinated swarm attacks
The DIVYASTRA MK2 is designed for strategic and deep operations, including:
- Long-range deep strike missions
- High-value target engagement in contested airspace
- Persistent surveillance over extended distances
- Network-centric and multi-domain warfare operations
The MK2 is expected to operate either as a standalone strike asset or as part of a coordinated swarm configuration.
Testing Progress and Industrial Context
The flight trials of the MK1 indicate ongoing validation of its operational capabilities, while the taxi trials of the MK2 mark the initial phase of ground-based testing prior to full flight evaluation.
HoverIt recently showcased the DIVYASTRA platforms at Invest UP events, attended by state officials, highlighting the role of defence startups in strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing base.
In addition to the DIVYASTRA series, the company is developing a broader UAV portfolio, including:
- AANKH-01 for ISR and surveillance
- BAAZ for tactical payload delivery
- RAFTAAR eVTOL, a long-range fixed-wing platform
Programme Status
HoverIt has not announced specific timelines for full operational clearance or induction of the DIVYASTRA systems. The ongoing trials reflect continued development and validation efforts.
The parallel progression of the 500 km-range MK1 and the 1,500–2,000 km-range MK2 demonstrates a scalable approach to unmanned combat systems, covering both tactical and strategic mission requirements within India’s evolving defence technology landscape.
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