India publicly displayed a kamikaze drone that was reportedly intercepted by its air defenses during Operation Sindoor, a recently conducted cross-border military action.
The released images show a loitering munition recovered after being shot down, presented during the Vijay Diwas celebrations, a day marking India’s victory in the 1971 war.
According to analyses published by journalists and regional media, the equipment shows characteristics consistent with the YIHA-III, a loitering munition of Turkish origin increasingly associated with the growth of Pakistan’s drone fleet. The displayed model features a rear propeller, fixed wings, and a stabilizing tail, elements that match the known design of this system.
Indian sources claim that during Operation Sindoor, nearly two dozen loitering munitions were launched in a coordinated swarm attack from Pakistani territory. Designed for precision strike missions, the YIHA-III is capable of staying airborne for extended periods and targeting assets such as radars, air defense systems, and forward bases, optimized for saturating enemy defenses in joint operations.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @SandeepUnnithan | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Turkish YIHA-III drone shot down by Indian Army during #OperationSindoor on display at the army chief’s residence for the Vijay Diwas celebrations. @adgpi pic.twitter.com/yUw0y4VIRI
— Sandeep (@SandeepUnnithan) December 15, 2025
