Russia’s Kalashnikov Signs Contract to Supply 'Karakut' Reconnaissanc Drones to Indian Firm

Kalashnikov Concern of Russia signed a contract to supply a batch of Karakut multifunctional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to an Indian customer at the India Homeland Security Expo 2026 last week.

Delivery is scheduled for the end of 2026, while negotiations are underway to establish licensed production in India, the Russian Weapons Telegram Channel reported.

Weighing 300 grams, the vehicle has a maximum speed of 25 km/h, a flight time of up to 20 minutes, and a range of up to 2 km at an operating altitude of approximately 150 meters. The onboard system includes an optronic station capable of transmitting real-time video over a secure channel, as well as a navigation module resistant to electronic warfare.

The Karakut is designed as a quadcopter, using composite materials that reduce its radar and thermal signature. The power plant is based on quickly replaceable lithium-polymer batteries, and the control system supports both manual and semi-autonomous flight modes to preset waypoints.

In the Indian Army, the device can be used for reconnaissance and fire adjustment at the company and battalion level, as well as for monitoring the perimeters of critical infrastructure facilities in urban areas and difficult terrain.

Karakut: Small UAV with big features

Establishing licensed production will allow India to establish its own base for the assembly and modernization of small UAVs, integrating Indian communications equipment and sensors.

At the same time, Russia will retain control over key navigation and data processing algorithms, consistent with the practice of technological partnership within the framework of military-technical cooperation.

 In the future, the Karakut could become an element of a distributed tactical reconnaissance network, integrated with Indian artillery and anti-tank weapon control systems.