India, Aug. 15 -- The defence ministry on Friday signed two contracts worth Rs.1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Nibe Pvt Ltd for loitering munitions (or kamikaze drones) and associated equipment to boost the Indian Army's precision strike capabilities.

"The loitering munition system is critical equipment that can enhance the capability of artillery regiments and boost the overall operational effectiveness of the Indian Army," the ministry said.

This comes as the army plans to induct tens of thousands of locally-made unmanned aerial systems and loitering munitions over the next five years to boost its battlefield capabilities, given the growing impact of these systems on military operations and how they have reshaped modern...