SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In a landmark achievement for India’s defense sector, Nagastra-1, the country’s first indigenous loiter munition, developed by Solar Industries India Ltd, is set to be inducted into the Indian Army’s Infantry. This development marks a significant stride in India’s drive for self-reliance under the Make in India initiative and bolsters the Army’s tactical capabilities.
Nagastra-1, developed by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, represents cutting-edge technology tailored for modern combat needs. Loiter munitions, often referred to as “kamikaze drones,” combine the features of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and precision-guided weapons, capable of identifying, tracking, and neutralizing targets with high accuracy.
The Indian Army had contracted Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Group, to supply 480 Loiter Munitions under an Emergency Procurement initiative. Following rigorous testing, the first batch of 120 units was delivered to the Pulgaon ammunition depot after a successful Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) conducted from May 20–25.
The Nagastra-1 is a highly portable, man-packable loiter munition system weighing just 30 kg. The system’s components are divided into two rucksacks, making it suitable for field deployment. Key features include a 1 kg high-explosive fragmenting warhead capable of neutralizing soft-skin targets. Offers GPS-enabled strikes with an accuracy of up to two meters, ideal for surgical operations. Integrated with day and night surveillance cameras for real-time reconnaissance and target identification. Includes a ground control station, communication modules, and a pneumatic launcher for rapid deployment.
The Nagastra-1 stands out globally with its unique parachute recovery mechanism, enabling operators to abort missions mid-flight, recover the UAV, and redeploy it for future operations. With loitering capability, the system allows operators to identify targets before engaging, reducing collateral damage.
The Nagastra-1 strengthens India’s tactical capabilities, particularly in the Infantry’s arsenal, by providing a flexible, portable weapon for modern warfare. Loiter munitions like the Nagastra-1 are critical for asymmetric warfare, including counter-insurgency and urban combat scenarios.
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