What is Rudrastra? India's deadly VTOL drone that can loiter, lock, and eliminate from 50 km away
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Imagine a drone that lifts off vertically like a helicopter, flies long distances like a jet, locks onto enemy positions deep across the border, and then returns home, all on its own. That's Rudrastra , India's latest homegrown battlefield tech marvel, successfully tested by the Indian Army With the battlefield becoming smarter and deadlier, Rudrastra marks a turning point in how India plans to strike enemies from a safe distance, no boots on the ground, just precision from the skies.The Indian Army has successfully tested Rudrastra, a fully indigenous drone with vertical takeoff and landing ( VTOL ) capability, designed to carry out precision strikes across the border without risking soldiers' lives.Rudrastra is a hybrid VTOL drone developed by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SDAL). It can not only take off like a helicopter but also cruise like an aircraft, making it versatile and hard to spot. The drone is equipped with smart warheads meant for anti-personnel roles, meaning it can target enemy soldiers and positions with high accuracy.The drone can hit targets more than 50 km away. In tests at the Pokhran range, it demonstrated a full range of 170 km and stayed in the air for nearly 90 minutes, relaying real-time video and returning on its own. It even dropped an airburst munition that exploded low to the ground, damaging a wide area, perfect for enemy camps or artillery.It's meant for deep strikes, think enemy artillery guns or terrorist hideouts well inside hostile territory. The drone can quietly sneak in, strike, and return, all without risking lives. It gives the Army a powerful 'stand-off weapon' that works from a safe distance.The Army is now planning to buy these drones in large numbers. Indigenous drone makers have been asked to show off their tech as India moves to build a drone force fit for future wars. With threats constantly evolving, unmanned systems like Rudrastra could become a frontline weapon in both defence and counterterror ops.Inputs from ET Bureau
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Time of India
2 hours 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.
Time of India
13 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
India.com
16 hours ago
- India.com
Flying up to 21 thousand feet height, speed of 235 KM/hour, 126 LUH will join the Indian Army fleet, Ladakh and Siachen will now be….
HAL Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) HAL Light Utility Helicopters: In a significant development for the Indian Armed Forces, the Indian Army is planning to replace its aging fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters with 126 newly developed Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). As per the recent update, the Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) procurement deal is in its final stages and is expected to receive official approval soon. Here are all the details you need to know about HAL's newly developed Light Utility Helicopters (LUH). Why are Light Utility Helicopters helpful? Marking a major step toward modernization of the Army's aerial capabilities, these LUHs are fully designed and manufactured in India by HAL and are specially built to perform in mountainous and high-altitude terrains. The helicopters can operate at elevations up to 6,500 metres (21,300 feet), have a top speed of 235 km/h, and a range of 350 km per flight. Why India requires Light Utility Helicopters? Due to to the advanced features, the HAL LUHs will significantly enhance the Army's operational readiness in difficult areas such as Ladakh and Siachen. HAL receives first set of wing assemblies for LCA Mk1A In another significant update relating to HAL and Indian Air Force, the first set of wing assemblies for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by Larsen & Toubro, was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement. As per a report by news agency ANI, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar attended the event virtually, as General Manager (LCA Tejas Division) M Abdul Salam received the assemblies on behalf of HAL from the Precision Manufacturing and Systems Complex unit of L&T. In his address, the Secretary (Defence Production) commended the efforts of HAL and L&T towards achieving self-reliance. He hailed HAL for spearheading collaboration with different private sector partners, nurturing them and ensuring enhanced capability. (With inputs from agencies)
