The Indian Air Force (IAF) is advancing its indigenous drone warfare capabilities with plans to acquire 800 medium-range swarm drone systems under the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction (CLRTS/D) program, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council in late October 2025. These autonomous swarm drones, designed for precision deep-strike and base-disruption missions, can operate over ranges of approximately 1,100 kilometers even in dense electronic warfare conditions. About 80% of the swarm will carry specialized warheads to penetrate shelters and disable key infrastructure, while 20% will handle distributed intelligence with onboard AI for collective target selection and real-time decision-making. The drones integrate INS/GPS/IRNSS navigation and secure communication links, enabling coordinated adaptive missions even if communications degrade. Powered by indigenous mini-turbojet or electric-hybrid engines, this acquisition marks a strategic leap for India’s extended strike capabilities, significantly enhancing deterrence and offensive options amid evolving regional security dynamics, particularly vis-à-vis China and Pakistan. The project complements other UAV acquisitions, emphasizing self-reliance and technological sophistication in India’s defence modernization drive.