Introduction
The Indian Army is set to induct Nagastra-1, its first indigenous loiter munition, marking a significant step towards achieving 'atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in ammunition and defense systems. Developed by Solar Industries, Nagpur, this innovative drone represents a crucial advancement in India’s military technology.
Development and Supply
The Army has placed an order for 480 loiter munitions from Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), a 100% subsidiary of Solar Industries.
Following a successful Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) from May 20-25, 2024, EEL delivered the first batch of 120 units to the ammunition depot at Pulgaon.
This move underscores the Indian Army's commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities with homegrown technologies.
Technical Specifications
Nagastra-1 is a man-portable, fixed-wing electric UAV designed for kamikaze missions. Key specifications include:
Weight: 9 kg
Endurance: 30 minutes
Range: 15 km with man-in-loop control, extendable to 30 km in autonomous mode
Propulsion: Electric, providing a low acoustic signature, making it almost undetectable above 200 meters
The UAV is equipped with day and night surveillance cameras and carries a 1 kg high-explosive fragmenting warhead for neutralizing soft-skin targets. Unique features like abort, recover, and reuse, facilitated by a parachute recovery mechanism, set it apart from similar systems globally.
GPS-Enabled Precision
Nagastra-1 excels in "kamikaze mode" by neutralizing hostile threats with GPS-enabled precision strikes, boasting an accuracy of up to two meters. This capability ensures that targets are hit with high precision, minimizing collateral damage and maximizing mission effectiveness.
Design and Collaboration
Designed with over 75% indigenous content, Nagastra-1 was developed in collaboration with Z-Motion Autonomous Systems Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru. The complete system has an all-up weight of 30 kg, distributed across two rucksacks containing the ground control station, communication control, payload, and pneumatic launcher.
Strategic Importance
The induction of Nagastra-1 highlights the growing importance of drone technology as a force multiplier in military operations. Its development is timely, considering the increasing drone-related security challenges along India’s northern borders. Recent global conflicts in countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Ukraine have demonstrated the strategic advantage of equipped drones.
Rising Need for Indigenous Solutions
In the Indian context, there has been a rise in drone-related incidents along its northern borders, underscoring the need for indigenous solutions like Nagastra-1
This UAV will significantly enhance India's ability to respond to threats and conduct operations effectively.
Industry Impact
Most industries in India lack the expertise for weaponized drones in combat applications
Solar Industries embarked on developing various weaponized drones, and Nagastra-1's successful development marks just the beginning
This advancement is poised to significantly bolster India's indigenous capability in employing UAVs as formidable war machinery.
Conclusion
The successful deployment of Nagastra-1 not only enhances India's defense capabilities but also paves the way for further innovations in indigenous military technology
It underscores the potential of local enterprises like Solar Industries in contributing significantly to national security imperatives.
(Indian Army indigenous drones, Nagastra-1 loiter munition, UAV development India
Defense technology India, Solar Industries military drones, Autonomous weapon systems India, UPSC, CAPF, CDS, NDA, SSB, AFCAT, CSE, IAS, IB ACIO, Current Affairs, News)
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