The Indian Army’s recent acquisition of 450 NAGASTRA-1R loitering munitions from Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) represents a significant milestone in India’s defence modernization and self-reliance strategy.
Major Drone Deals For Indian Army
The Indian Army’s recent acquisition of 450 NAGASTRA-1R loitering munitions from Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) represents a significant milestone in India’s defence modernization and self-reliance strategy. This procurement, combined with successful trials of SDAL’s Rudrastra VTOL UAV and Bhargavastra counter-drone system, demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defence technology development and its strategic response to evolving warfare paradigms witnessed in recent global conflicts.
The system’s precision targeting capability stands out with a circular error probability (CEP) of just 2 meters, ensuring highly accurate strikes while minimizing collateral damage. A particularly noteworthy aspect of the NAGASTRA-1R is its impressive indigenous content of over 80%, substantially higher than the 75% threshold typically required under India’s Make in India initiative.
Rudrastra UAV
The Rudrastra UAV achieved a mission radius of over 50 km with a stable real-time video link and returned to its launch point after covering a total range of more than 170 km. It also successfully deployed a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead, which detonated mid-air at low altitude to achieve lethal effect over a wide area.
Idea Forge Bags Around ₹137 Crore Drone Order
Drone technology firm idea Forge Technology has secured a major order worth approximately ₹137 crore from the Indian Army for its hybrid mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. This contract was awarded through the emergency procurement route, reflecting the Army’s urgent need to bolster its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities with advanced and reliable drone technology. The hybrid mini UAVs ordered are high-performance, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones that combine fixed-wing endurance with quadcopter-style manoeuvrability.
