HAROP drones

HAROP drones: Recently, Indian armed forces reportedly deployed Israeli-origin Harop drones to carry out precision strikes on air defence systems in Pakistan as part of their ongoing.

• About HAROP drones: A loitering munition, a type of drone, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

  o It combines the capabilities of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a precision-guided missile, allowing it to loiter for extended periods before striking a target.

  o The explosive payload that they carry, earning names such as “suicide drones” and “kamikaze drones”

  • Key Features of the HAROP:

  o Loitering Capability: The HAROP can loiter in a holding area for several hours, gathering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data.
  

  o Target Selection: A remote operator can select static or moving targets detected by the HAROP's electro-optical (EO) sensor.

  o Precision Strike: Once a target is selected, the HAROP proceeds to attack, detonating itself on the target.

  o Man-in-the-Loop: The HAROP operates with a "man-in-the-loop" control mode, where a remote operator is involved in target selection and the attack phase.

  o Range and Endurance: The standard HAROP has a range of 200km (effective range ) and an endurance of over 6 hours of flight.

  o Smaller Version (Mini HAROP): IAI also developed a smaller, more tactical version called Mini HAROP, designed for shorter-range missions and launch from tactical vehicles.