KAL drone completes Pokhran trial with reported 1,000 km range

Noida based defence startup IG Defence has completed a flight trial of its KAL long range one way attack drone at Rajasthan's Pokhran Field Firing Range.

The September trial used a vehicle mounted launcher and tested the integration of the drone's airframe, propulsion, avionics, navigation and mission systems. The flight distance, duration and live strike details were not disclosed.

What is the KAL drone

KAL is a reported long range loitering munition designed for precision attacks. IG Defence has claimed a range of up to 1,000 km, but the reported Pokhran trial does not independently confirm this performance.

KAL drone specifications

Specification	Reported details
Developer	IG Defence
Location	Noida, India
Type	Long range one way attack drone
Claimed range	Up to 1,000 km
Endurance	7 to 8 hours
Payload	Up to 50 kg
Maximum take off weight	Around 200 kg
Altitude	Up to 5,000 metres
Cruise speed	Around 160 kmph
Top speed	Around 200 kmph
Navigation	Multi band GNSS and INS
Day sensor	4K UHD camera
Night sensor	Thermal EO/IR camera

These figures are reported company specifications, not independently verified operational results.

What was tested at Pokhran

The trial focused on system integration, including:

• Airframe
• Propulsion
• Avionics
• Navigation
• Mission systems

The available reports do not confirm a 1,000 km flight, the use of a live warhead or the completion of a terminal strike.

KAL navigation and sensors

KAL is reported to use GNSS and INS navigation. GNSS supports satellite based positioning, while INS uses onboard sensors to estimate movement and location.

The drone is also reported to feature a 4K camera for daytime imaging and a thermal EO/IR sensor for nighttime observation. These features alone do not confirm resistance to jamming, spoofing or all weather target identification.

Why the trial matters

The reported test highlights private sector participation in India's unmanned defence technology industry. IG Defence is developing the airframe, propulsion, avionics, navigation and mission systems.

However, the claimed range and payload should be distinguished from publicly demonstrated performance.

Has KAL entered military service

The Pokhran flight trial does not confirm military induction or an armed forces order.

Stage	Meaning
Development	Designing and building the system
Flight testing	Evaluating the aircraft and systems
User evaluation	Assessment by a potential military user
Procurement	Formal customer order
Induction	Entry into military service

The latest report confirms a flight testing milestone. KAL's full range, endurance, strike capability and military deployment status require further testing and official confirmation.