Rudrastra UAV: SDAL Successfully Tests Indigenous UAV 'Rudrastra' at Pokharan Firing Range, ET Manufacturing
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'Bhargavastra' counter-drone system tested in Gopalpur
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The Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited ( SDAL ) on Wednesday completed a test of its Hybrid VTOL UAV, Rudrastra, at the Pokharan Firing Range According to news agency ANI, the trial was carried out as per Indian Army performance parameters, including mission flexibility, precision targeting, high endurance, and vertical take-off and landing.The UAV covered a mission radius exceeding 50 km during the test, maintaining a continuous video link before returning to its launch point. The total range, including time spent at the target zone, was over 170 km, with an estimated endurance of 1.5 hours.During the exercise, SDAL deployed a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead . The munition detonated in a low-height airburst after being released from medium altitude, covering a wide area and meeting the required tactical parameters.The UAV's features include VTOL capabilities , long-range operations, real-time observation, and targeting precision. SDAL described the test as a step in the development of indigenous defence technologies under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.In a related development, SDAL in May tested a low-cost Counter Drone System , named Bhargavastra, in Hard Kill Mode. The system uses unguided micro rockets as its primary line of response and is designed to counter drone swarms within a 2.5 km range and a 20-metre impact radius.The Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur conducted the testing of the micro rockets, which reportedly met the performance goals.SDAL stated that the system can operate across multiple terrains, including high-altitude areas above 5,000 metres, and has been developed to align with the operational needs of India's military services.
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