logo
Army drone deal: India orders 450 Nagastra-1R units; SDAL touts reusable, precision strike edge

Army drone deal: India orders 450 Nagastra-1R units; SDAL touts reusable, precision strike edge

Time of India23-06-2025
Indian Army places order of 450 NAGASTRA-1R loitering munitions from SDAL (Image credits: ANI)
The Indian Army placed an order with solar defence and aerospace limited, SDAL, for approximately 450 units of its NAGASTRA-1R loitering munitions, the company said in a statement.
The system is designed to be cost-effective and reusable, with launchers that can be deployed multiple times.
The NAGASTRA-1R is equipped with a 360-degree gimbal camera and can optionally include a thermal camera for night-time missions. It features proprietary encryption for both video and telemetry communications and offers high-precision targeting with a circular error probability (CEP) of just 2 metres.
The system boasts over 80% indigenous content and has undergone successful field trials in locations such as Ladakh and Babina near Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
In a separate development, SDAL recently completed trials of its hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAV, Rudrastra, at the Pokharan Firing Range. Conducted according to Indian Army performance parameters, the UAV demonstrated strong operational capabilities, including vertical takeoff and landing, long endurance, and mission flexibility.
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.
Earlier, on May 13 and 14, SDAL tested a low-cost hard-kill counter-drone system named 'Bhargavastra' at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur. Designed to tackle drone swarms, the system uses micro-rockets for rapid neutralisation. Trials were conducted under the supervision of senior Army Air Defence (AAD) officials.
Similar systems have been extensively used in recent conflicts, particularly in the Ukraine-Russia war and the Armenia-Azerbaijan skirmishes. The Indian armed forces had previously acquired similar systems from foreign vendors at a significantly higher cost. The Nagastra 1 has an indigenous content of over 75%, reducing dependence on foreign sources.
Developed entirely in India by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), the Nagastra 1 drones can perform GPS-enabled precision strikes with an accuracy of 2 meters and have a range of nearly 30 km.Given the scale of production and the resulting cost reduction, there is a strong potential for exporting the munition to friendly foreign nations seeking similar solutions.
Stay informed with the latest
business
news, updates on
bank holidays
and
public holidays
.
AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Fast, furious, and future-ready: Why Indian Army's Rudra Brigade could be a game-changer against China and Pakistan
Fast, furious, and future-ready: Why Indian Army's Rudra Brigade could be a game-changer against China and Pakistan

Time of India

time38 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Fast, furious, and future-ready: Why Indian Army's Rudra Brigade could be a game-changer against China and Pakistan

What are Rudra Brigades? Live Events Bhairav Light Commando Battalions You Might Also Like: Supporters of terrorism will not be spared: Army chief Upendra Dwivedi on Kargil Vijay Diwas Converting Existing Brigades Why Rudra Brigades Now? Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs): The Larger Picture Understanding Brigades and Divisions Indian Army: Modernising for Future Wars (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Indian Army is moving ahead with the creation of new all-arms 'Rudra' brigades and agile 'Bhairav' light commando battalions to strengthen its operational readiness along the borders with China and Pakistan. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced the move during the Kargil Vijay Diwas ceremony in Drass on Army's Rudra Brigade is part of the Army's wider efforts to become a modern, agile, and future-ready force. They are structured to deliver swift, integrated, and technology-backed responses in border scenarios without the need for additional troop Indian Army's Rudra Brigades are being formed by converting two existing infantry brigades stationed along the borders. These new formations integrate multiple combat arms—infantry, mechanised infantry, tanks, artillery, Special Forces, and unmanned aerial systems—into a single cohesive unit with dedicated logistics and combat support.'Rudra, all of the brigade, is being established for which I gave approval yesterday. Under this, we will have infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces and unmanned aerial units at one place to provide logistics and combat support,' said General Upendra for flexible and rapid deployment, these formations enhance coordination among various combat elements by placing them under a unified command Rudra Brigade will vary in composition based on its operational role. Units will be equipped with area saturation weapons and drone-based surveillance to boost situational awareness and instance, in plains, a Rudra Brigade could include mechanised infantry, armoured regiments, and self-propelled artillery for high-speed offensives. In mountainous terrain, it may include infantry battalions and artillery units better suited for high-altitude warfare. Special Forces elements may also be included in select formations for sensitive border operations such as along the Line of Control (LoC).Alongside Rudra Brigades, the Indian Army is also raising Bhairav Light Commando Battalions, lean, tactical units intended for quick strikes and rapid border deployment.'We are driven towards becoming a developed, modern and futuristic power. A new brigade is being established, and I approved it yesterday. This will have fighting components like mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces with logistic and combat support... Special forces have also been established that will always be ready to shock the enemy on the border,' said General traditional Special Forces, Bhairav battalions are focused on tactical assignments and border actions, with an emphasis on mobility and rapid impact rather than deep strategic Army's restructuring plan involves converting 250 single-arm brigades, each typically comprising about 3,000 soldiers, into all-arms formations. These new structures integrate multiple combat units supported by logistics tailored for each brigade's operational role. The Army is initiating these formations in limited numbers. 'To begin with raisings are going on in a lesser number which can be counted on fingers,' a source told The New Indian Rudra concept builds on the Army's previous proposal of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), a modernisation initiative aligned with the Cold Start Doctrine, designed for rapid, coordinated responses to provocations or inclusion of Rudra and Bhairav units is seen as a step toward executing quick, multi-axis offensives using integrated combat platforms. With advanced mobility, coordination, and firepower, these formations are intended to deter and respond to threats with speed and are brigade-sized, self-sustaining combat formations, each typically led by a Major General and made up of around 5,000 personnel, larger than traditional brigades but smaller than divisions. These groups combine infantry, armour, artillery, engineers, and support services to prepare for deployment within 12–48 hours in case of Dwivedi earlier said, 'It is basically the restructuring of a particular strike corps. Now, when we look at it, it has some financial implications, and it also has implications in terms of equipping as well as human resources. It has taken a long period, it is in its final stages, and we are hopeful.'Initially, two IBGs were planned, one under the 9 Corps along the western border with Pakistan and another under the 17 Strike Corps facing China.A brigade typically consists of three battalions drawn from arms like infantry, artillery, armour, or engineers. Each brigade includes around 3,000 soldiers and is led by a brigadier. Support units from other arms are attached depending on the role.A division, made up of three brigades, is similarly organised by combat role—such as infantry, armoured, or artillery Army continues to adapt its formations in line with evolving warfare needs. Drone platoons have been integrated into most infantry battalions, and artillery regiments are now supported by loitering munitions under the 'Divyastra' programme. The proposed IBGs and the newly announced Rudra and Bhairav units reflect a shift toward faster, tech-enabled warfare across different terrains and threat scenarios.'Every IBG will be self-contained, mixing elements of every arm and service according to the terrain and operational requirements,' General Dwivedi had creation of Rudra Brigades and Bhairav Battalions marks a significant shift in how the Indian Army prepares for future conflicts. These fast, flexible, and high-tech formations could play a crucial role in responding swiftly to threats along India's volatile borders with China and Pakistan.

Army conducts high-tech drone drill in Arunachal
Army conducts high-tech drone drill in Arunachal

Time of India

time11 hours ago

  • Time of India

Army conducts high-tech drone drill in Arunachal

Rayang: The Indian Army on Sunday conducted a high-tech military drill at Rayang in Arunachal Pradesh's East Siang district to validate the integration of drone technology into tactical battlefield operations. Exercise 'Drone Prahar', conducted at the Rayang military station, was observed by the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Spear Corps Lt Gen Abhijeet S Pendharkar, a statement said. Carried out under realistic operational conditions, the exercise demonstrated the effective use of drones for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as real-time sensor-to-shooter coordination and precision targeting, the note read. The aim was to enhance command reach and improve situational awareness for tactical commanders by employing layered surveillance and supporting dynamic decision-making on the ground, it added. The exercise also evaluated critical aspects necessary for seamless drone integration in battlefield scenarios. This included testing of airspace deconfliction, ensuring secure communication channels and establishing coordination protocols among various arms and services. Exercise 'Drone Prahar' marks a significant step in the army's ongoing efforts to modernise its combat capabilities and embrace emerging technologies, the statement added. PTI

Indian Army conducts drill to validate integration of drones into battlefield operations
Indian Army conducts drill to validate integration of drones into battlefield operations

Time of India

time15 hours ago

  • Time of India

Indian Army conducts drill to validate integration of drones into battlefield operations

The Indian Army on Sunday conducted a high-tech military drill to validate the integration of drone technology into tactical battlefield operations . Exercise Drone Prahar , conducted at the military station at Rayang in Arunachal Pradesh 's East Siang district, was observed by the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Spear Corps Lt Gen Abhijeet S Pendharkar, a statement said. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Healthcare Operations Management Data Analytics Digital Marketing PGDM Product Management Others MCA Degree Leadership Data Science MBA CXO others Data Science Public Policy Cybersecurity Design Thinking Management Artificial Intelligence Project Management healthcare Technology Finance Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details Carried out under realistic operational conditions, the exercise demonstrated the effective use of drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as real-time sensor-to-shooter coordination and precision targeting, it said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bangladesh: Jewelry On Sale For Half Price (See Price List) Jewelry | Search Ads Learn More Undo The aim was to enhance command reach and improve situational awareness for tactical commanders by employing layered surveillance and supporting dynamic decision-making on the ground, it added. The exercise also evaluated critical aspects necessary for seamless drone integration in battlefield scenarios. This included testing of airspace deconfliction, ensuring secure communication channels, and establishing coordination protocols among various arms and services. Live Events Exercise Drone Prahar marks a significant step in the Indian Army's ongoing efforts to modernise its combat capabilities and embrace emerging technologies, the statement said. With its focus on innovation, adaptability, and operational superiority, the Indian Army continues to build towards becoming a fully technology-enabled force, ready to meet future challenges on the modern battlefield, it said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store