// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Kamikaze Drone
A kamikaze drone is a single-use unmanned aircraft packed with explosives that is designed to fly into a target and detonate on impact. It combines the surveillance capabilities of a drone with the destructive power of a missile.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A kamikaze drone, technically a loitering munition or one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is an expendable weapon system with an integrated explosive warhead for precision strikes against high-value targets. This autonomous or human-in-the-loop system can circle (loiter) over a target area, providing surveillance and reconnaissance before committing to a terminal attack on assets like armor, artillery, or infrastructure.
BACKGROUND
A one-way attack drone is a type of self-destructive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to strike a target by crashing into it with an integrated warhead. Common terms like suicide drone, kamikaze drone or exploding drone are used. These types of drones self-destruct, similar to loitering munitions. However, loitering munitions typically feature human-in-the-loop control and the ability to loiter or "hunt" for targets before striking remotely by a human operator. On the other hand, one-way attack drones are often launched against pre-programmed coordinates. One-way attack drone guidance systems vary by model. One type of one-way attack drone uses satellite positioning to attack static targets and lacks the electro-optical targeting sensor or data links required for terminal guidance by a human operator. Another type of one-way attack drone uses artificial intelligence (AI) with electro-optical targeting sensors for more precise attacks even when it still lacks a human operator for terminal guidance. They are frequently described by defense analysts as cost-effective and slower alternative of cruise missiles rather than traditional drones.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- loitering munition
- suicide drone
- one-way attack drone
- exploding drone
- lethal drone
- FPV attack drone
USAGE NOTE
The term is widely used in modern warfare contexts to describe a low-cost, effective tactical weapon that blurs the line between a reusable drone and a single-use missile.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Kamikaze Drone.
A U.S. defense contractor that develops and manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), most notably the Switchblade series of loitering munitions (kamikaze drones) used extensively by the U.S. military and allied nations.
An Israeli company specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced loitering munition systems. Their HERO series of systems are man-portable, vehicle-mounted, or air-launched kamikaze drones.
A major Israeli state-owned aerospace and defense company. IAI develops and produces several loitering munition systems, including the Harpy, Harop, and Mini Harpy, designed for missions such as suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD).
A Russian company, part of the Kalashnikov Concern, that specializes in unmanned aerial systems. They are the developers of the Lancet and KUB-BLA loitering munitions, which have been actively used in conflict.
An American defense technology company that develops autonomous systems. Their product line includes the Altius-600M, an air-launched loitering munition designed for precision strikes.
A Polish technology company and defense contractor. They produce the WARMATE loitering munition system, a lightweight, combat-proven drone that can be equipped with various warheads for different targets.
A Turkish defense company that develops a range of military technologies. They are the manufacturer of the Kargu, a rotary-wing (quadcopter) kamikaze drone that can operate autonomously or in swarms.
A defense and technology conglomerate in the United Arab Emirates. Through its subsidiary Halcon, EDGE develops and produces a family of loitering munitions, including the Hunter series of tube-launched drones.