Indian Drone Start-Up Eyes Export Market with Shahed-Class KAL Drone Amid Gulf Tensions Indian drone manufacturer IG Defence is pursuing export opportunities for its KAL, a Shahed-class long-range, one-way attack drone, amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The company confirmed ongoing discussions with Gulf nations for potential orders, emphasizing the drone’s capabilities for deep-penetration missions against high-value strategic targets. KAL, unveiled in May at the North Tech Symposium in Prayagraj, is described as a fully indigenous design developed in India. Company officials stated the system is fully developed and tested, though they declined to comment on whether the Indian armed forces have conducted trials. The KAL drone belongs to the emerging class of Shahed-136-type systems, which have gained prominence in recent conflicts for their extended range, precision strike capability, and affordability. These drones, originally developed by Iran, have been adopted by major global powers, including Russia’s Geran-2 and the U.S.’s LUCAS. IG Defence highlighted that KAL’s operational range reaches up to 1,000 kilometers, with an endurance of 7-8 hours and the ability to carry a 50-kg payload. The company framed the drone as a cost-effective solution for modern warfare, combining long endurance, autonomous navigation, and precision targeting. The push for KAL’s export aligns with growing global demand for autonomous strike capabilities, particularly in the Gulf, where nations are expanding investments in unmanned systems. IG Defence noted that the drone’s design meets the evolving needs of modern militaries, offering a balance of affordability and operational flexibility.#gulf_nations #indian_drone_manufacturer_ig_defence #shahed_class_kal_drone #north_tech_symposium_prayagraj #bodhisattwa_sanghapriya
