Bengaluru Startup Zulu Defence Unveils India’s First Hovering Kamikaze Drone with 30 km Strike Range

Bengaluru, August 2025 – In a landmark development for India’s defense technology, Zulu Defence, a Bengaluru-based startup, has unveiled the nation’s first hovering kamikaze drone designed to destroy armoured targets. Officially named the Deployable Reconnaissance & Attack Platform (DRAP), this indigenous system combines surveillance and strike capabilities into one compact aerial weapon.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Vertical Take-Off and Hovering Design
  DRAP is a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) loitering munition, allowing it to hover over the battlefield, track enemy armour, and launch precise strikes at the right moment.

• 30 km Strike Range
  With a range of up to 30 kilometers, the drone enables operators to engage targets at a safe distance while maintaining high strike accuracy.

• Dual Reconnaissance and Attack Role
  Equipped with advanced computer vision systems, DRAP can scout enemy positions, relay real-time battlefield intelligence, and neutralize threats with a direct attack.

Strategic Importance

• Boost to Indigenous Defence
  The development marks a major leap in India’s push for self-reliance in military technology. Unlike conventional drones, DRAP is tailored specifically for targeting tanks and armored vehicles, strengthening India’s precision strike capabilities.

• Part of Growing Drone Arsenal
  India has been rapidly expanding its inventory of loitering munitions, with systems like Nagastra-1 and Rudrastra already in development. The introduction of DRAP adds a specialized hovering strike drone to this ecosystem, giving the armed forces more options for modern battlefield needs.

Future Outlook

Zulu Defence, known for integrating AI and advanced avionics into unmanned platforms, has positioned DRAP as a next-generation solution for the Indian military. Its hovering capability, combined with smart targeting, is expected to redefine how armoured threats are countered in modern combat.

The unveiling of DRAP is not just a milestone for Zulu Defence but also a symbol of India’s growing technological edge in unmanned warfare—showcasing how indigenous startups are now playing a frontline role in strengthening national security.