Lead
Understanding what a loitering munition is leads to a sharper question: how does it actually perform a kill? Unlike a simple “launch-and-explode” projectile, it follows a controlled four-stage sequence—a tightly planned aerial operation. Below is a clear walkthrough of a typical mission, from launch to the final dive.

Act I — Launch and Breakout

Different ways the mission begins
A loitering munition can launch in several ways. It may use a cold-launch tube carried by a soldier, a multi-canister launcher mounted on a vehicle, a vertical launcher on a ship, or even drop from a larger unmanned aircraft. Platforms vary, yet the first stage remains similar across systems.

Rapid transformation
Right after leaving the launcher, the munition enters its breakout phase. Wings and control surfaces snap open—usually through springs or inertia—and lock into place within seconds. The motor starts, the propeller spins, and the system climbs toward the assigned area. A compact tube-stored package turns into a fully capable loitering drone almost instantly.

Act II — Cruise and Loiter

Navigating to the target area
The munition travels with the help of combined navigation: satellite signals such as GPS, BeiDou, or GLONASS, and an onboard inertial navigation system. This hybrid method keeps the route accurate, even when satellite signals weaken.

Holding and observing
Once over the target zone, the system begins to loiter. It may fly in circles, figure-eight patterns, or other tracks shaped by terrain and mission needs. Endurance changes by model—some stay for thirty minutes, others for more than an hour.
During this time, the munition acts like an aerial sensor, not just a weapon. Its EO/IR payload scans the ground and sends a steady stream of imagery to the operator. Many current systems use compact gimbal cameras for clearer tracking. Modern units, including Shendu Group’s stabilized gimbal cameras, offer high-resolution day-night visuals that increase target recognition reliability during the loiter phase.

Act III — Identification and Decision

Collecting and sending imagery
While on station, the munition’s EO/IR sensors continue scanning. High-definition video and thermal images are encrypted and transmitted to a remote control station. Even at long distances, operators receive stable real-time feeds—especially when the platform uses advanced lightweight gimbal cameras with smooth stabilization.

Human judgment stays in control
At this stage, human operators evaluate every image. They tell civilian objects from military ones, check if a target remains active, and assess collateral-damage risks. Only after a clear, positive command does the munition proceed to attack.
Although autonomy is improving, most countries still require human confirmation for lethal strikes. This reduces misidentification and aligns with legal and ethical standards.

Act IV — Dive and Final Strike

Transitioning from loiter to attack
After receiving the strike order, the munition ends its holding pattern. It adjusts its control surfaces, angles downward, increases power, and shifts into a fast guided dive. The approach is deliberate; the system aligns angle, speed, and impact point for the chosen effect.

Warhead options and impact
The warhead varies by mission. Shaped-charge designs defeat armored vehicles, while fragmentation versions target personnel or soft assets. Because many loitering munitions have small radar and infrared signatures, they remain hard to intercept. Their flexible dive paths further complicate short-range air-defense engagement. Upon impact, the munition detonates and completes its single-use purpose.

Aftermath: Assessment and Effects

Verifying results
Some systems send final images during the dive if the link remains stable. Others rely on nearby UAVs or ground observers. Quick battle-damage assessment helps commanders decide their next action.

Operational impact
By combining surveillance, decision-making, and precision strike into one expendable platform, the four-act cycle helps forces hit time-sensitive targets. Threats that once slipped away from artillery or missiles now face a persistent eye in the sky with immediate striking power.

Final Observations

This four-stage mission—breakout, loiter, decision, and dive—shows how modern weapons merge sensing, human judgment, and precision lethality into one system. Lower manufacturing cost, expendability, and constant presence make loitering munitions easy to deploy in large numbers.
At the same time, their spread raises questions about rules of engagement, target verification, and battlefield accountability.

As sensor pods, inertial navigation systems, and stabilized gimbal cameras—such as those developed by Shendu Group—grow more capable, loitering munitions will continue to evolve. Commanders and policymakers must balance the advantages of these systems with the new risks they create.