On October 24, 2025, India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction (CLRTS/D) swarm drone program, marking a significant boost to the country’s autonomous warfare technology. The CLRTS/D system features fully autonomous drones with an operational range exceeding 1,100 kilometers, capable of executing precision strikes on critical enemy infrastructure such as airbases, radar networks, and power grids while functioning effectively in dense electronic warfare environments. The swarm uses distributed artificial intelligence enabling coordinated autonomy and adaptive regrouping without external control, ensuring resilience against jamming. Around 80% of the drones will carry specialized warheads optimized for top-attack and infrastructure disruption, while the remaining 20% focus on intelligence gathering via advanced sensors and secure communication links. The program involves key Indian defense entities like DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, HAL’s UAV division, and private sector partners under the Make in India initiative. This capability upgrade redefines India’s strategic deep-strike doctrine, bolstering its military edge and operational autonomy against evolving threats. Testing and production are underway to ensure rapid deployment and integration with existing forces.