Loitering munition as the name suggests is a munition which loiters on any target and then makes a hit. This was first tested or used in 1944 by the Japanese special attack unit of military aviators. This type of suicide aircrafts are also called Kamikaze and this is a Japenese word with its literal meaning as divine or spirit wind. 

This warcraft  is a combination between UCAV and missile. On seeing at a first glance we can infer that it is a cruise missile having wings. This type of weaponry system falls in between the above two categories. It is similar to the cruise missile but has the capability to loiter on any target for a considerable amount of time. Unlike UCAV it has inbuilt warhead. 

Loitering munition examples are IAI Harpy, skyStriker, Warmate, Switchblade, Trinetra, Nagastra, Raytheon Coyote. 

Switchblade loitering munition

These type of suicide drones were first made in 1980s  but the term loitering munition was not used. From the 2000s these types of drones were made to have extra capabilities, there were improvements in design as well as some advanced technologies were added. 

Loitering munitions are used by both Russia and Ukraine at present and have found success in disrupting the armed forces. 

Lancet loitering munition

These type of drones can be countermeasured  by making cages of chain link fencing, wire mesh and wooden logs around the target which confuses it. Inflatable decoys and wooden vehicles can also be used to confuse these drones. These drones can also be shootout by rifles. Electronic warfare systems can also be used to stop the drone by jamming the GPS and radio links. A slat armor can also be used around vehicles as these drones have a less powerful warhead.