SOURCE: AFI
In a significant stride toward self-reliance in defense technology, India showcased its indigenous next-generation autonomous defense systems at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh from April 23 to 25, 2025. The event, highlighted in posts on X, featured cutting-edge innovations aimed at modernizing the Indian Armed Forces and enhancing operational capabilities in diverse combat scenarios. Among the standout technologies displayed were the Sheshnag-150, a long-range swarm drone by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), and the Sapper Scout, a multi-utility unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), underscoring India’s growing prowess in autonomous warfare systems.
The Sheshnag-150, developed by NRT, marked a milestone in India’s unmanned aerial capabilities. Named after the mythological serpent, this 150kg unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed for attritable warfare, focusing on overwhelming adversaries through coordinated swarm attacks. With a range exceeding 1,000 km, an endurance of five hours, and a payload capacity of 25-40 kg, the Sheshnag-150 is engineered for precision strikes deep into enemy territory. Its successful maiden flight, announced by NRT in February 2025, demonstrated its potential as a force multiplier.
Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI), the Sheshnag-150 can autonomously identify, track, and engage targets with minimal human intervention. Its swarm capabilities allow multiple drones to operate in unison, saturating enemy defenses and executing precision strikes—a critical advantage against sophisticated air defense systems. The drone also supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as electronic warfare (EW) operations, making it a versatile asset for the Indian Armed Forces. While some online discussions have speculated that the Sheshnag-150 likely uses a piston-propeller rotary engine (similar to those developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories, such as the 30hp or 55hp Wankel engines), its exact propulsion system remains unconfirmed.
Another highlight of the Babina showcase was the Sapper Scout, a multi-utility UGV designed to support a range of military operations. While specific details about the Sapper Scout’s development and capabilities are limited, its inclusion in the event aligns with the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to integrate UGVs into its operations, as seen in previous exercises like UGV Experiment-2021 and Swavlamban Shakti. UGVs like the Sapper Scout are typically engineered for tasks such as reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics, and casualty evacuation, reducing risks to human personnel in hostile environments.
The Indian Army has been accelerating its UGV program to keep pace with global militaries, with requirements including the ability to carry loads of 250-500 kg and operate for up to 12 hours across diverse terrains. The Sapper Scout likely incorporates autonomous navigation, AI-driven decision-making, and modular design for mission adaptability—features consistent with India’s broader UGV initiatives, such as the Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) demonstrated in prior exercises at Babina. Its multi-utility designation suggests applications ranging from tactical reconnaissance to kinetic effects, potentially including explosive detection and disposal, a critical need along India’s volatile borders.
The Babina Field Firing Ranges event is part of India’s broader strategy to develop and deploy autonomous systems, driven by the need to counter emerging threats from neighbors like China and Pakistan, both of which have invested heavily in unmanned platforms. The Indian Army’s focus on UGVs and UAVs reflects lessons from global conflicts, such as the Ukraine-Russia war, where unmanned systems have proven decisive in modern warfare. However, some analysts caution that India’s reliance on foreign technology, like the Estonian THeMIS UGV, highlights gaps in indigenous development that need addressing to achieve true self-reliance.
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