SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, Solar Explosives, a subsidiary of the Nagpur-based Solar Group, has confirmed the successful delivery of 480 Nagastra-1 loitering munitions to the Indian Army. Building on this milestone, the company has now embarked on the development of two advanced variants, Nagastra-1B and Nagastra-1C, tailored to meet specific requirements outlined by the Indian Army.
The Nagastra-1, India’s first domestically developed loitering munition, has already marked a leap forward in precision strike technology. Designed and manufactured by Solar Explosives under an emergency procurement contract, the system boasts over 75% indigenous content. Weighing just 9 kg, the man-portable drone is equipped with a 1 kg high-explosive fragmenting warhead, day-and-night surveillance cameras, and a unique parachute recovery mechanism, making it reusable if a mission is aborted. Its delivery to the Army in late 2024 underscored India’s growing self-reliance in military hardware.
Following this achievement, Solar Explosives has shifted focus to enhancing the Nagastra platform. The Nagastra-1B and Nagastra-1C variants are being developed in response to the Indian Army’s evolving operational needs. While specific details about the upgrades remain under wraps, sources indicate that these variants could feature improved range, enhanced warhead capabilities, and greater endurance compared to the original model. The Army’s request reflects its intent to further integrate advanced loitering munitions into its tactical arsenal, strengthening its ability to counter emerging threats with precision and flexibility.
This development aligns with the broader #AatmanirbharBharat initiative, which emphasizes self-sufficiency in defence production. By advancing the Nagastra series, Solar Explosives is not only catering to domestic demands but also positioning India as a potential player in the global defence market. The company’s efforts highlight the growing role of private industry in bolstering national security, reducing reliance on imports, and fostering innovation in military technology.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.