New Delhi: The Indian Army has placed an order with Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) for the procurement of approximately 450 NAGASTRA-1R loitering munitions, according to a statement issued by the company.

The Nagastra-1R is a cost-effective system with full re-usability of launcher systems. The advanced Loitering Munition System with 360 gimbal camera, with the option of putting a thermal camera option for night operations, the statement further read.

The system has a proprietary encryption for both video and Telemetry communication and comes with a high precision targeting system with 2 metres CEP and has more than 80% indigenous content. The systems have been tested at various locations, including Ladakh and Babina near Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, the statement added.

ChatGPT said:

On June 12, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) successfully conducted trials of its Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at the Pokharan Firing Range, meeting key performance criteria set by the Indian Army.

The trial validated the UAV's capabilities in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), high endurance, precision targeting, and operational flexibility. Rudrastra demonstrated a mission radius of over 50 km with a stable real-time video feed and safely returned to its launch point. The total operational range, including time spent loitering over the target area, exceeded 170 km, with an endurance of approximately 1.5 hours.

A standout feature of the trial was the successful deployment of a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead. Released from medium altitude, the munition detonated in an airburst at low height, delivering lethal effects across a wide area and meeting tactical effectiveness requirements.

This successful demonstration marks a major milestone in India's pursuit of indigenized defence technologies and is a strong step toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

In a related development, SDAL had earlier tested a new low-cost counter-drone solution in hard-kill mode, named 'Bhargavastra'. Designed to neutralise hostile drone swarms, the system employs micro-rockets to deliver rapid and effective responses. The trials were conducted at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur on May 13 and 14 under the observation of senior Army Air Defence (AAD) officials. (ANI)