SOURCE: AFI
The Indian defence landscape is set to witness an evolution in unmanned aerial capabilities with the introduction of the SRUAV-Weaponised, better known as the armed variant of the Rustom-1 drone. This development signifies a pivotal shift towards enhancing India’s aerial strike capabilities through unmanned systems, with the integration of four Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), likely to be the advanced NAG-MK2.
Originally designed for surveillance, the Rustom-1 has been part of India’s push towards developing indigenous UAV technology under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The transition from a reconnaissance-only UAV to a weaponized platform marks a strategic enhancement, allowing the system to undertake offensive roles alongside its traditional ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) tasks.
The SRUAV-W is expected to be armed with four ATGMs, a significant upgrade from its unarmed predecessors. This arming will allow the drone to engage ground targets, particularly armored vehicles, from a standoff distance, thereby increasing its tactical utility in combat scenarios.
While not officially confirmed, there’s a strong indication that the ATGMs in question might be the NAG-MK2, an advanced variant of the NAG missile system. The NAG-MK2, with its improved range, guidance, and penetration capabilities, would make the SRUAV-W a formidable asset on the battlefield.
The addition of ATGMs to the Rustom-1 transforms it into a multi-role drone, capable of contributing to both defensive and offensive operations, significantly bolstering India’s unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) arsenal.
The SRUAV-W has been undergoing various trials, focusing on weapon integration, flight stability with the additional payload, and the effectiveness of the ATGM systems from an aerial platform. The successful integration of NAG-MK2 missiles could lead to further variants or upgrades, possibly including other types of munitions or enhancements in sensor technology for better target acquisition and engagement.