Indian Army displays reconstructed Pakistani Yiha ‘suicide drone’ shot down in Op Sindoor | WATCH

New Delhi: The Indian Army on Monday displayed a reconstructed Turkish armed drone Yiha, which was neutralised by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor on May 10. The event, held under the aegis of Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, was part of the Vijay Diwas commemorations.

The Kamikaze-class, multi-role drone was deployed by Pakistan during hostilities from May 7 to 10, targeting both Indian military and civilian installations. Military officials said Pakistan had used a significant number of Yiha single-use attack unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) during the clashes, but nearly all were intercepted by Indian forces.

The showcased drone was flying at an altitude of 2,000 metres on May 10. Launched from Lahore International Airport, its intended target was Jalandhar. Carrying a 10 kg explosive payload, the remotely-operated drone was designed to blow up on impact but was successfully brought down by the Army Air Defence (AAD).

With a wingspan of two metres and powered by a 170 cc two-stroke engine, the Kamikaze-class drones are commonly referred to as “suicide drones.” These weapon systems hover or circle a target area, seeking the optimal moment to strike.

The Indian military destroyed a large number of these drones using its counter-drone apparatus, highlighting its preparedness against aerial threats.

Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on May 7, involved airstrikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories. Four days of intense clashes concluded with an understanding to halt military actions on May 10.

Vijay Diwas, observed annually on December 16, honours the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.