Latest news with #Nagastra-1
India.com
6 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Big boost for army as India plans to develop suicide drone with range of 900 km, check its Pinaka connection, bad news for China, Pakistan due to...
Suicide drone- Representative image India's long-range hitting capabilities: In a significant development strengthening India's long-range hitting capabilities, India, under the leadership of PM Modi is developing a long-range suicide drone with a range of over 900 km for precision strikes deep into enemy territory. In the recent Make In India push, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) had invited technical and commercial bids from several companies. As a part of the process Solar Industries, the companies associated with Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system scored 80.30, outperforming others like Bharat Dynamics (78.62), Rafael MFHB (76.78), and Bharat Electronics (73.43). Therefore, CSIR-NAL will now proceed with a joint collaboration with the company to develop the drone. Why Indian Army wants suicide drone? Notably, the Indian Army and Air Force have shown strong interest in acquiring large numbers of these drones to bolster their offensive and defensive capabilities and with this step, the dream is going to come true. How will India use kamikaze-style drones? These kamikaze-style drones will carry explosives and use advanced targeting to hit high-value targets, with the Army and Air Force showing strong interest. Deployment is expected in the coming years to boost India's defense capabilities. PM Modi inaugurated Solar Defence and Aerospace's Loitering Munition Test Range In another related development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Loitering Munition Test Range of Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, which is supplying the Nagastra-1 'suicide drone' and key components of the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System to the Indian Army, in Nagpur. 'I visited the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited facility in Nagpur and inaugurated the Loitering Munition Test Range. This will significantly boost self-reliance in the defence sector,' PM Modi said in a post on X. The agreement, formalised during the World Economic Forum in Davos, envisages a project, with an investment of approximately Rs 12,700 crore, will focus on expanding production capabilities in critical defence products such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), counter-drone systems, energetic materials, and next-generation explosives. (With inputs from agencies)
Mint
09-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Defence orders bolster Solar Industries' firepower
Solar Industries India Ltd's stock is in the spotlight after being upgraded to large-cap by the Association of Mutual Funds of India (Amfi) in its latest classification. Given the strong outlook and the rising share of defence in overall revenues, the stock has risen almost 70% so far in 2025. Yet, at 90x its FY26 estimated earnings, the stock may be running ahead of its financials. The defence sector is expected to drive growth for the explosives manufacturing company. 'Solar's defence vertical has remained the fastest growing segment in the last five years (62% revenue CAGR over FY20-25), led by strong order inflows, healthy execution and a focus on continuously expanding the portfolio," pointed out Emkay Global Financial Services. Defence boost Defence revenues rose 160% in FY25, doubling their contribution to 18% from 9% in FY24. The management's revenue guidance of ₹3,000 crore for FY26 implies year-on-year growth of 120%, with the share in total sales climbing to 30%. Here, the defence ministry's award of a high-value order of over ₹6,000 crore for the Pinaka multiple rocket launcher system in February helps revenue visibility. Plus, Solar expects to receive some more orders that are being fast-tracked after the recent military escalation on the western borders. Also, the company's international business, accounting for 38% of FY25 sales, is seeing strong traction amid a volatile geopolitical situation. Some of its overseas loss-making subsidiaries turned around in FY25, thus taking aggregate pre-tax profits of subsidiaries up sharply by 82% to ₹656 crore. To leverage its international presence, Solar has recently operationalized its facilities in Thailand and Indonesia and is setting up new facilities in Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan. On the other hand, the company's exposure to Turkey, at nearly 10% of total FY25 revenue, could face uncertainty because of its role in the military confrontation. Solar's international order book is ₹8,500 crore, to be executed over the next 4-5 years. Overall, the order book at FY25 End is ₹17,000, more than triple the figure of ₹5,100 crore in FY24. Its other customers include Coal India Ltd, which forms 13% of sales, and industrial clients across mining, housing, and infrastructure. Solar's estimated domestic market share stands at about 25%. Overall, FY26 revenues are expected to rise 33% over FY25's ₹7,500 crore seen in FY25. The company's FY25Ebitda margin at 27% was far higher than the guidance of 23% and should sustain or even improve with the rising share of defenceorders. Ebitda stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Capex push To leverage its presence in defence, Solar has been investing in new product development, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). After the successful delivery of Nagastra-1, a loitering munition or a suicide drone, deployed during Operation Sindoor, it has developed Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3 and expects to receive orders for those products. The other product, Bhargavastra, a counter-drone micro-missile, has passed trials at two levels for different applications. The capital expenditure plan of about ₹2,500 crore in FY26 is more than double the figure of ₹1,200 crore for FY25, to be metprimarily through internal accrual. While the defence business continues to do well, other domestic segments, such as coal mining, are seeing subdued demand and lower power consumption. Also, international business faces currency and country risk, although the potential impact would be lower with presence across a large number of geographies. The stock doubled from its 52-week low of ₹8,500 on 18 February after the receipt of the Pinaka order, further bolstered after Operation Sindoor. Despite the run-up, order inflows from defence would keep investors' interest alive in the stock.
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
450 loitering munitions ordered to help boost army's capabilities
The ministry of defence has ordered 450 locally produced loitering munitions, or kamikaze drones, from a Nagpur-based defence firm, Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd, to boost the army's precision targeting capabilities, weeks after Indian forces deployed these weapons to hit targets in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, people aware of the matter said on Monday. Such munitions hover over the battle zone, locate the target and crash into it (AP) The ₹ 158-crore order for the Nagastra-1R loitering munitions is a follow-on contract to the 480 Nagastra-1 drones ordered for the army last year through the emergency procurement route, the people said, asking not to be named. The firm, a subsidiary of Solar Industries and earlier known as Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), will execute the new order in one year to meet the army's urgent needs. Such munitions hover over the battle zone, locate the target and crash into it. The Nagastra-1R is equipped with a 360-degree gimbal camera, with the option of using a thermal one for night operations, has a proprietary encryption for video and telemetry communication, and its launcher system is reusable, HT learnt. It has an indigenous content of around 80%. Loitering munitions --- including Nagastra-1, and Harop bought from Israel --- were deployed during Operation Sindoor. Nagastra-1 carries a one-kg warhead, has a maximum range of 30 km, and an endurance of 60 minutes. The exact specifications of the newer variant Nagastra-1R weren't immediately available. Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd has expanded its footprint in the country's defence manufacturing sector in recent years. In February, the defence ministry signed two contracts worth ₹ 10,147-crore to buy ammunition for the army's indigenous Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system — one of them was with Solar and the other with Pune-based Munitions India Limited. The Nagpur-based firm (then called EEL) has also supplied one million hand grenades to the army under a 2020 contract worth ₹ 409 crore. These replaced a World War-II vintage hand grenade design that was being used by the army. India launched the operation in the early hours of May 7 and struck terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike in which 26 people were shot dead. It triggered a four-day military confrontation with Pakistan involving fighter jets, missiles, drones, long-range weapons and heavy artillery before the two sides reached an understanding on stopping all military action on May 10. Days after the ceasefire, the government granted powers to the armed forces to make emergency purchases worth around ₹ 40,000 crore. On June 21, defence minister Rajnath Singh said India paused Operation Sindoor after Pakistan asked for a ceasefire. 'Operation Sindoor is not over yet. India is fully prepared to take all kinds of action against terrorism,' he said at the time, addressing troops in Udhampur. Private sector drone maker ideaForge Technology on Monday said it has secured an order worth ₹ 137 crore --- through the emergency procurement route --- for supplying mini UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) systems to the army, adding that these are battle-tested and inducted into the army's inventory for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations. 'The platform has also been battle-tested during the recent Operation Sindoor, where it played a critical role in providing ISR to the armed forces. Its performance in live operations validated both its technological robustness and mission-critical value,' the company said in a statement. This emergency procurement for counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations will help safeguard national security, and 'reaffirms our commitment to building world-class, reliable UAVs in India', ideaForge Technology CEO Ankit Mehta said. 'It is a matter of pride that our platforms are not just made in India, but are also built to serve and protect India under the most demanding conditions, backed by a resilient and trusted supply chain,' he said. The execution timeline for this order is also set at 12 months, aligning with the army's immediate operational requirements. On June 19, the defence ministry said it has set up a high-powered committee, headed by the director general (acquisition), to steer a comprehensive review of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 for speedy modernisation of the armed forces and boosting self-reliance in the critical sector. The aim of the review, the ministry said, is to meet the operational requirements and modernisation needs of the armed forces in a timely manner to ensure national security and achieve self-reliance goals by promoting technology infusion through indigenously designed and developed systems.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nagastra-1R suicide drone: Check the features of this Made-in-India drone
The Indian Army has placed an order for 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions as part of its continued drive to enhance precision-strike capabilities and modernize its artillery and infantry support systems. Developed by Nagpur-based Solar Industries , the indigenous system represents a significant step toward self-reliance in next-generation tactical weaponry under the 'Make in India' initiative. 480 drones were ordered in 2024 Under the Indian Army's Emergency Procurement Powers, an order was placed with Solar Industries' Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL) for 480 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions. Following successful pre-delivery inspections, EEL delivered 120 units to an Army Ammunition Depot. "After successful completion of pre-delivery inspections, EEL delivered 120 Loiter Munitions to an Army Ammunition Depot," defence officials told ANI. Features of Nagastra-1 'Suicide Drone' The Nagastra-1 is a UAV-based loitering munition designed to act as an aerial ambush system. Its primary function is to hover above targets and execute precision strikes with GPS-enabled accuracy, achieving a remarkable precision of 2 meters. Precision Strike Capability: In "Kamikaze mode," Nagastra-1 can neutralize hostile threats by directly striking the target and destroying itself in the process. High Altitude Operation: The drone can fly at altitudes over 4,500 meters, making it difficult to detect by radar. Surveillance Equipment: It is equipped with day-night surveillance cameras and a warhead capable of defeating soft-skin targets. Endurance and Range: The fixed-wing electric UAV can operate for 60 minutes, with a man-in-loop control range of 15 kilometers and an autonomous mode range of 30 kilometers. Recovery Mechanism: The Nagastra-1 has an abort, recover, and reuse feature. If the target is not detected or the mission is aborted, it can be called back and safely landed using a parachute system, making it superior to similar systems developed by advanced countries. Strategic Advantages The Nagastra-1 drones are designed for precision strikes on enemy training camps, launch pads, and infiltrators, reducing the risk to soldiers. These man-portable drones are silent due to their electric propulsion and low acoustic signature, making them ideal for infantry operations. Live Events 'The drones are a cost-effective solution for targeting relatively lower-end threats, such as groups of infiltrating terrorists on the border. The drones also feature a parachute recovery mechanism, allowing them to be retrieved and reused in case of an aborted mission," as reported by Manu Pubby for ET. Indigenous Development and Cost Efficiency Developed entirely in India by EEL, Nagastra-1 boasts over 75% indigenous content, reducing reliance on foreign sources. This domestic production capability has resulted in significant cost savings compared to similar systems previously acquired from foreign vendors. The drones are capable of operating in extreme temperatures and high-altitude conditions, further enhancing their strategic value.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Indigenous weapons pipped Chinese systems in Operation Sindoor, says DRDO chief
Nagpur: Operation Sindoor undoubtedly proved the superiority of India's indigenous weapons systems over those made in China, said chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Samir Kamat, here on Thursday. "Pakistan deployed an array of systems procured from China. Our indigenous weapons easily outmatched the Chinese systems pitched by Pakistan," said Kamat. However, he said some lessons were learnt from the conflict, and the country's premier defence research agency will look at improvements and induction of newer weapon systems. Not divulging specifics, he said some measures will be taken on an urgent basis. At the same time, he stressed the country's air defence system has proven to be highly effective. Kamat was in the city to tour the defence manufacturing establishments located here, including Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), a private sector ammunition maker, apart from DRDO's own chemical warfare unit and a facility of Brahmos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL). The Nagastra-1 loitering munition made by Solar was reportedly used in Operation Sindoor. Even the propulsion system of BrahMos missiles that pounded Pakistan came from the company. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nagelpilz? Die versteckte Ursache, die viele übersehen Heilratgeber Weiterlesen Undo Talking to TOI, Kamat said the purpose of the visit was to check facilities here, and coming to Nagpur was very fruitful. "It's important to have a robust private sector that's involved in both manufacturing and R&D to sustain long-drawn conflicts," he said. Kamat said a variety of systems can be put in place to counter drone attacks. He also mentioned that a range of sensors that can be used to detect and neutralise drones are expected to be inducted over the next six months or a year. Kamat also stressed upon the need to coordinate between stakeholders in the defence sector, including the PSU and private manufacturers. On indigenisation of conventional systems, he said the country is swiftly moving towards it. For example, in artillery, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and Dhanush guns have been developed. There may be some subsystems that have to be imported, but the dependence on foreign sources has reduced, he said. On upcoming systems, he said DRDO includes VSHORADS, man-portable air defence systems, man-portable anti-tank guided missiles (MPTAGM), vertically launched short-range surface-to-air missiles (VLSRSAM), heavyweight and advanced lightweight torpedoes.
