The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing a next-generation air-launched loitering cruise missile for the Indian Air Force, reported on December 23-24, 2025, with a 250 km range to bolster precision strikes. Key features include man-in-the-loop Lock-Confirm-Kill capability for real-time visual confirmation via live feeds from loitering over targets, modular payloads for diverse missions, and hybrid INS-GPS guidance for land and sea engagements, minimizing collateral in urban or contested zones. Aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat since early development phases, this enhances IAF standoff operations on Su-30MKI or Tejas platforms, reducing import dependence amid tensions with China and Pakistan, while countering adversary drone swarms through superior ISR-strike integration.