India’s private defence sector is taking a major leap forward with the development of the "Chaser," a new indigenous loitering munition by Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies.
Currently undergoing advanced prototype testing, this drone is engineered for Intelligence, Surveillance, Tracking, Attack, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations.
It merges long-endurance flight with pinpoint strike capabilities, positioning India to field its own long-range "kamikaze" drones comparable to globally recognised systems like the Shahed-136.
Billed as an adaptable weapon for the modern, networked battlefield, the Chaser uses autonomous navigation combined with human oversight to hunt moving and stationary targets over vast distances.
A standout upgrade to the system is its satellite communication (SATCOM) link. This technology shatters traditional line-of-sight barriers, allowing military operators stationed hundreds of kilometres away to receive real-time video feeds and pilot the drone deep into hostile territory without needing forward ground control stations.
Safety and precision are heavily prioritised through the drone's Man-in-the-Loop (MITL) architecture. This ensures that a human controller oversees the final moments of an engagement.
Using the drone’s onboard cameras, the operator can visually verify the target before authorising a strike, significantly reducing the risk of civilian casualties or collateral damage.
Furthermore, this system includes a mid-air abort function; if the situation on the ground changes, the operator can cancel the dive and redirect the munition to a new threat.
To operate effectively in diverse weather and lighting, the Chaser features a robust sensor package. Its Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) cameras provide clear day, night, and thermal imaging to expose hidden targets.
For operations in heavy cloud cover or poor visibility, the system can also be equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
When it is time to strike, the drone's seeker offers a 360-degree view, enabling it to attack from any angle. This allows the military to execute lethal top-down dives against heavily armoured tanks or lateral strikes against fortified buildings, exploiting the weakest points in enemy defences.
First gaining wider public attention around the Aero India 2025 expo, the Chaser is designed for both stamina and speed.
It weighs roughly 150 kilograms at takeoff and carries a 25-kilogram explosive payload—ideal for neutralising radar sites, command posts, and armoured vehicles.
Powered by a 27-kilowatt (37 horsepower) Wankel engine, it cruises between 195 and 220 km/h while searching for targets and can hit a top speed of 270 km/h during its attack dive.
For rapid deployment, it is fired from a storage canister using a rocket booster. Crucially, the drone boasts an impressive 1,000-kilometre range and can stay airborne for up to six hours at an altitude of 16,000 feet, keeping it safely above most small-arms fire.
VEM Technologies is drawing on decades of aerospace expertise to bring the Chaser to life, having previously manufactured major structural components for the HAL Tejas fighter jet and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
The company is now preparing to transition the drone from prototype to mass production at its new Integrated Defence Systems Facility. Located at Yelgoi near Zaheerabad, this massive 511-acre complex represents a ₹1,000 crore investment.
Scheduled to be fully commissioned by 2026, it stands as one of India's largest private defence manufacturing hubs, ready to equip the armed forces with cutting-edge unmanned technology.
