In a significant advancement for India’s defense capabilities, Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SADL) has successfully conducted a trial of its Hybrid VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) UAV, named Rudrastra, at the Pokharan Firing Range. The trial took place on June 11 and was designed to assess the UAV’s performance against critical benchmarks established by the Indian Army.
The Rudrastra UAV demonstrated its advanced capabilities during the trial, achieving a mission radius of over 50 kilometers while maintaining a stable real-time video link. The aircraft safely returned to its launch point after completing the mission, showcasing its reliability and effectiveness. Notably, the UAV recorded a total operational range, including loitering time over the target area, exceeding 170 kilometers. It maintained a flight endurance of approximately 1.5 hours, a crucial aspect for tactical missions requiring consistent aerial surveillance and engagement.
One of the highlights of the demonstration was the working precision of its deployment mechanism. The Rudrastra successfully released a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead from a medium altitude. The munition executed a controlled airburst at a low height, demonstrating its ability to deliver lethal effects over a wide area and validating its potential effectiveness in battlefield scenarios.
This successful trial represents a significant step in India’s capacity to develop indigenous unmanned systems and advanced munitions, contributing to the nation’s defense initiatives. It aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to foster self-reliance in defense manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
Furthermore, this achievement comes on the heels of the inauguration of SADL’s UAV airstrip and dedicated munition testing facility in Nagpur, strengthening India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and fostering innovation in its defense sector. The successful test of the Rudrastra reflects an upward trajectory in India’s indigenous defense capabilities, emphasizing the importance of technological advancement in enhancing national security.
