The Indian Army has announced an additional order for 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions from Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, highlighting a growing confidence in domestic defense technology. This procurement follows the successful delivery of 480 units in June 2024, conducted under the Army’s Emergency Procurement Powers. The swift follow-up order underscores the operational effectiveness of these loitering munitions in real-world combat scenarios.
The Nagastra-1R, often referred to as a “suicide drone,” is developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries. It is engineered for precision strikes with minimal collateral damage. Featuring GPS-enabled guidance, the Nagastra-1R boasts a circular error probable (CEP) of merely 2 meters, allowing it to effectively target enemy assets, including bunkers, vehicles, and radar systems.
Equipped with a 360-degree gimbal camera, the drone offers comprehensive situational awareness and reconnaissance capabilities. It includes thermal imaging features for enhanced performance during nighttime operations. Notably, the Nagastra-1R can abort missions mid-flight, with a parachute recovery system in place, thereby conserving valuable resources when necessary.
Reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense production, over 80% of the components in the Nagastra-1R are sourced from domestic manufacturers. This initiative is in line with the country’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ programs. The loitering munitions underwent extensive testing in difficult terrains, such as Ladakh and Babina, and successfully passed a series of operational evaluations, including rigorous pre-delivery inspections.
With this latest order, the Indian Army seeks to enhance its tactical strike capabilities, reduce reliance on foreign defense systems, and further modernize its approach to drone warfare. The ongoing induction of the Nagastra-1R represents a crucial advancement in India’s goal of becoming a global leader in advanced, self-sufficient defense manufacturing.
