Divyastra Mk3: India's Indigenous Jet-Powered Loitering Munition


Why in News?

The indigenously developed Divyastra Mk3 successfully completed its maiden flight in August 2026.

What is it?

  • Next-generation jet-powered loitering munition.

  • Developed by an Indian defence technology company associated with the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.

  • Designed to combine UAV endurance with precision-strike capability.

What is a Loitering Munition?

A weapon that can:

  1. Remain airborne over a target area.

  2. Search for or identify a target.

  3. Strike the target directly.

It is sometimes called a kamikaze drone.

Why Jet Propulsion Matters

Compared with common propeller-driven loitering munitions, jet propulsion can provide:

  • Higher speed.

  • Greater responsiveness.

  • Greater payload possibilities.

Important: Divyastra Mk3 is different from Mission Divyastra, which relates to the Agni-5 MIRV test.