The Indian Air Force (IAF) is accelerating the development of indigenous loitering munitions following successful operations in May 2025 during Operation Sindoor, where Israeli HAROP systems effectively neutralized Pakistani air defenses. This reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing capabilities for Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (DEAD), emphasizing the need for home-grown solutions to mitigate reliance on foreign suppliers. The IAF aims to engage with domestic manufacturers, including Tata Advanced Systems and Solar Industries, to create systems that can autonomously locate and target enemy radar and command nodes. This initiative aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push, ensuring a robust air superiority strategy and sustained operational dominance in complex battlefield environments.