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In a move to significantly bolster its offensive unmanned warfare capabilities, the Indian Army has procured the Berkut-BM unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from Belarus.
The acquisition of this high-speed system, associated with the Mirotvorets (Peacemaker) development line, marks a decisive shift in the Army's doctrine toward deep-penetration precision strikes.
Enhancing Deep Strike Capabilities
The induction of the Berkut-BM underscores the Indian Army’s evolving focus on fast, expendable platforms capable of neutralising high-value targets deep within enemy territory.Unlike traditional surveillance drones, the Berkut-BM is designed specifically for offensive operations.
Its primary mission profile involves the suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), the destruction of artillery networks, and the crippling of command-and-control infrastructure during the critical opening phases of high-intensity conflicts.
Military planners view such assets as essential for striking hostile surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), and logistical nodes without exposing manned aircraft or ground troops to unnecessary risk.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The Berkut-BM distinguishes itself from conventional propeller-driven loitering munitions through its propulsion and speed.- Engine & Speed: Powered by a compact turbojet engine integrated between twin tail booms, the drone can achieve dash speeds of up to 500 kilometres per hour (km/h). This high velocity drastically reduces the reaction time available to enemy air defence systems, complicating interception efforts.
- Range & Endurance: The platform offers a practical operational range of 180 kilometres and can remain airborne for approximately 45 minutes, depending on the flight altitude and mission requirements.
- Payload: It carries a 10-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead, optimised to inflict severe damage on radar installations, lightly armoured columns, and enemy manpower.
Tactical Flexibility and Origins
Operationally, the Berkut-BM offers commanders significant flexibility. The system is catapult-launched, eliminating the need for prepared runways or complex airfields.This capability allows the drone to be deployed from concealed, forward positions or mobile launchers, adding a layer of unpredictability to battlefield manoeuvres.
Interestingly, the Berkut-BM traces its lineage to high-speed aerial targets originally developed for air defence training. This design heritage has been leveraged to create a potent strike weapon; the airframe’s compact size, agility, and turbojet propulsion make it an elusive target for adversaries.
It fills a critical niche between slower, cheaper loitering munitions and larger, more expensive combat UAVs, offering a cost-effective solution for saturation attacks.
Broader Modernisation Context
This procurement aligns with a wider trend in the Indian armed forces to diversify their unmanned arsenal. Recent reports indicate the Army is actively integrating a layered ecosystem of drones, ranging from tactical surveillance quadcopters to long-range strike platforms.The acquisition comes amidst a broader push for modernisation driven by lessons learned from recent global conflicts and operational reviews.
By fielding systems like the Berkut-BM, the Indian Army aims to establish a persistent surveillance and rapid strike capability that spans the entire tactical and operational depth of the battlefield.
