Lucknow: Iran’s Shahed-series attack drones were among the proven international platforms studied by a Lucknow-based defence firm to develop its own jet-powered “kamikaze” drone, Divyastra Mk3, which has now completed its first flight.A kamikaze drone, also known as a loitering munition, is an unmanned aerial vehicle packed with explosives.Kawa UAV Pvt Ltd (HoverIt), however, claimed that Mk3 is an indigenous design built around Indian operational requirements and technology.“We have studied proven international platforms. There is no need to reinvent the wheel; Mk3 is an indigenous design developed around our own requirements and technology,” one of the co-founders of the company told TOI.The response comes amid growing attention on loitering munitions and one-way attack drones following the extensive battlefield use of Iran’s Shahed-series systems in recent conflicts.Kawa UAV is headquartered at the Lucknow node of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, next to the BrahMos manufacturing facility. Its Divyastra Mk3 completed its maiden flight on Aug 11 at a designated drone testing airstrip in Uttar Pradesh, according to the company.Mk3 is a new platform with a new propulsion configuration, while drawing upon engineering and technology developed through earlier Divyastra programmes.Unlike propeller-driven loitering munitions, Mk3 uses a jet engine developed by New Delhi headquarters-based DG Propulsion.“The flight demonstrated the worthiness of the platform and integration of the engine,” one of the co-founders said. According to a statement issued by the company, engine performance during the flight met the parameters set for the test.“The platform, propulsion integration and core systems have been developed indigenously,” a co-founder said, adding that the company was not disclosing detailed subsystem sourcing.The company has also withheld official performance specifications. Indicative figures shared with TOI put the Mk3’s range at around 300-400 km, speed at 250-300 kmph and warhead payload at up to 15-20 kg, though these figures are approximate.According to the company, Mk3 incorporates autonomous flight control and AI-enabled target engagement architecture.The programme began at the start of 2026 and completed its development cycle in about seven months.
