In a significant advancement for India’s defense sector, domestic drone startups have introduced indigenous first-person-view (FPV) kamikaze drones priced at just $400 each, outpacing global competitors including Ukraine. Developed under the Buy (Indian) initiative, these drones enhance the Indian Army’s tactical capabilities and promote self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Companies like InsideFPV Ventures and Maharshi Industries have successfully met the stringent military standards, positioning India as a potential global hub for affordable high-quality drone manufacturing. The introduction of these cost-effective systems supports rapid military deployment and operational flexibility, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities. This development underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and adapting to contemporary warfare challenges, especially in border conflicts and counterinsurgency operations.