NEWS –  In a major step towards India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defence, the Indian Army is about to introduce its first locally made loitering munition, called the Nagastra-1

HIGHLIGHTS

Development by Solar Industries in Nagpur

• Background: Solar Industries in Nagpur spearheaded the development of the Nagastra-1, marking a pivotal achievement for India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
• Technology Advancements: Solar Industries focused on manufacturing weaponized drones, showcasing their expertise in this domain.
• Significance: The successful creation of the Nagastra-1 represents a crucial step in enhancing India’s utilization of UAVs for strategic purposes.

Collaboration and Production

• Partnership with EEL and Z-Motion Autonomous Systems: Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a Solar Industries subsidiary, collaborated with Z-Motion Autonomous Systems Pvt. Ltd to achieve over 75% localization in drone component sourcing.
• Delivery and Deployment: EEL delivered an initial batch of 120 drone munitions to the Ammunition Depot in Pulgaon after successful inspections from May 20 to May 25.

Technical Specifications

• Precision Strikes: The Nagastra-1 boasts GPS-guided precision strikes within a two-metre range, ensuring accurate target elimination.
• Portability: Split into two backpacks, the system weighs 30 kilograms, making it highly portable and adaptable for various operational scenarios.
• Operational Capabilities: With a 15-kilometre operational range (expandable to 30 kilometres in autonomous mode), the drone offers flexibility and strategic reach.
• Stealth Features: Its electric propulsion system enables quiet operation above 200 metres, reducing the risk of detection by adversaries.
• Surveillance and Armament: Equipped with day-and-night surveillance cameras and a 1 kg high-explosive fragmenting warhead, the Nagastra-1 can neutralize soft-skin targets effectively.
• Recall and Reuse: The drone’s parachute recovery system allows for mission aborts and multiple reuses, distinguishing it from other similar systems.

Impact and Future Prospects

• Operational Value: The Nagastra-1’s success highlights the modernization of drone technology in military operations, aligning with global trends witnessed in conflict zones worldwide.
• National Security: Amid increasing drone-related incidents along India’s borders, the Nagastra-1 underscores the importance of indigenous solutions for enhancing national security.