Pakistani YIHA-III Drone's Australian Controller Reveals Defense Vulnerabilities
On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army showcased a reconstructed YIHA-III kamikaze drone, which was neutralized during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. This Turkish-Pakistani co-developed loitering munition, intercepted near Amritsar, was identified as having been launched from Lahore International Airport, targeting sensitive installations including Adampur Air Force Station. It carried a 10 kg explosive payload and was designed for precision strikes, highlighting the evolving nature of asymmetric warfare tactics employed by Pakistan. The drone’s flight controller, a Pixhawk Cube Orange, sourced from Australia, underscores the vulnerabilities in global supply chains for dual-use technologies. During the Operation Sindoor escalation, which involved hundreds of drone attacks, India’s multi-layered air defense systems successfully neutralized nearly all threats, demonstrating the effectiveness of its air defense preparedness amidst increasing drone warfare challenges. The Indian Army’s use of indigenous technology like the Skynet-Intel drone forensics tool further emphasizes India’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities by transforming captured enemy technology into strategic intelligence assets. This incident not only reflects the persistent threat posed by cross-border drone attacks but also reinforces India’s proactive stance in countering such asymmetrical threats, showcasing its advanced defense systems and the capability to secure its airspace effectively.
