Drones and munitions

Loitering munition

A drone that circles a target area under operator or autonomous control before diving to detonate on impact — blurring the line between a drone and a guided missile. Popularly called a 'kamikaze drone' because it sacrifices itself on target. Russian Shahed-136 and Lancet, Israeli Harop, and Ukrainian Punisher are loitering munitions. Wind drift makes these systems important for airspace monitoring: the Shahed-136's cruise speed and engine note are recognisable; its drifting path reveals operator control losses and interdiction success.

Type
Class of guided drone-missiles
Operator
Russia, Iran, Ukraine, Israel (various operators)
Also known as
Kamikaze drone

On AirVeto

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AirVeto tracks drone and balloon incursions along the EU eastern border with wind data, coordinates, and source documentation.

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Loitering munition (Kamikaze drone) — Drone and Airspace Glossary | AirVeto