Military

NEW DELHI: India is on a roll. First it was the $2500 Tata Nano - the world's cheapest car; then it was the $35 iPad - the world's cheapest laptop.

Now in another marvel the Indian Armed Forces will be inducting micro and mini unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) - perfect not only for snooping but also for performing kamikaze-type killer roles. In order to meet the immediate demand for these lightweight combat drones a famous Indian arms-maker has now created a $50 battery-operated and loaded with the latest avionics prototype UAV - named "Drona" after the legendary Indian teacher and warrior Dronacharya -

These highly efficient portable spy drones will be used not only for surveillance but also for intelligence-gathering missions and detecting nuclear, biological and chemical contaminants

The tiny palm size UAVs will also be able to avoid enemy radar. An additional advantage is they will have sensors to detect IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and be able to move ahead of a convoy of soldiers on surveillance missions.