The Indian Army has placed an order for around 450 Nagastra-1R loitering drones from Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL). These drones are designed to be cost-effective, reusable, and capable of high-precision attacks.
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Key Features of Nagastra-1R:
- Comes with a 360-degree camera, and an optional thermal camera for night missions.
- Can strike targets with 2-meter accuracy.
- Uses secure video and communication systems.
- Over 80% of the drone is made in India.
- Successfully tested in tough areas like Ladakh and Babina (U.P.).
Other Drones and Systems by SDAL:
SDAL is also working on other modern defence technologies:
1. Rudrastra UAV (Drone)
- A hybrid drone that can take off and land vertically (VTOL).
- Successfully tested in Pokharan.
- Has a mission range of over 50 km and can return safely after covering more than 170 km.
- It can carry and drop a precision-guided explosive that explodes mid-air, covering a large area.
2. Bhargavastra Anti-Drone System
- A low-cost system designed to destroy enemy drones and swarms.
- Uses micro-rockets to quickly neutralize targets.
- Tested successfully in Gopalpur, under Army Air Defence supervision.
Drones like Nagastra-1 were earlier bought from foreign companies at a higher price. Now, India is developing similar or better systems indigenously. With high performance and lower cost, these systems might also be exported to friendly countries in the future.
These developments show India’s growing strength in defence technology and its focus on self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
