Social:Nagastra-1

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The Nagastra-1 is an indigenously designed, portable unmanned aerial vehicle and loitering munition, developed by the Nagpur based private company Economic Explosives Limited in collaboration with Bengaluru based startup Z-Motion Autonomous Systems. It is intended to give the Indian Army a modern, lightweight, and adaptable system for asymmetric warfare, such as reconnaissance and precision strikes.[1]

Nagastra-1 can precisely locate, track, and destroy the target. It is used for concentrated attacks against single, authorized target while reducing collateral damage. With AI capabilities, Nagastra-1 can keep circling the skies until it locates its target. By delivering precise hits on enemy training camps, launch pads, and infiltration units, the Nagastra-1 lowers the risk for soldiers. As per the company, Nagastra-1 is made of over 75% indigenous content.[2][3][4]

History and development

The use of loitering munitions during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Red Sea crisis, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the Chinese acquisitions of suicide drones as well as the increase in drone-related incidents in India's border areas, particularly with Pakistan, prompted Economics Explosives Limited, a subsidiary of Solar Industries, to work with Indian startup Z-Motion Autonomous Systems to develop Nagastra-1 for the Indian Army.[5][6][7] Nagastra-1 is man-portable, electric powered fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle/loitering munition. With a total weight of 30 kg divided between two backpack, the Nagastra-1 weapon system includes a payload, communication control, portable ground control station, and a pneumatic launcher. Nagastra-1 is based on Z Motion Autonomous Systems' Trinetra loitering munition. The UAV weighs 8–9 kg and has a 30-minute flight endurance time with two electric motors. With man-in-loop control, its range is 15 km, while in autonomous mode, it can reach 30–40 km.[8][1][9][10] The 30-minute flight endurance time has now been extended to 60 minutes.[11][12][13]

Nagastra warhead on display

Nagastra-1 carries 1-1.5 kg of high-explosive fragmentation warhead with surveillance cameras for day and night operation.[14] After taking off, Nagastra-1 can fly over a designated region and look for a suitable target. When the target is located, it dives at it and eliminates it. Nagastra-1 allows for quicker reaction times for moving targets. Due to the ability to modify or cancel attacks in mid-flight, more selective targeting is possible by faster response time against hidden targets. Because it uses an electric propulsion system, the UAV has a low sound signature, making it almost undetectable at heights above 200 meters. In kamikaze mode, Nagastra-1 can use GPS/NavIC satellite guidance to eliminate hostile threats with an accuracy of up to 2 meters CEP. Nagastra-1 has the ability to terminate its mission in midair and be recovered using a parachute recovery mechanism for use in future missions.[15][8][1]

Nagastra-1R

A 360-degree gimbal camera is part of the system, and for night missions, a thermal camera can be added. It also has a high-precision targeting system with a circular error probable (CEP) of 2 meters, as well as proprietary encryption for safe video and telemetry transmissions. More than 80% of the system's parts are indigenous. Successful field tests have been conducted at Babina, and Ladakh.[16]

Features

  • Lightweight, portable and easy to carry the entire weapon system in two backpacks.[17]
  • Precision strike capability in kamikaze mode.[4]
  • Operation at high altitudes above 4,500 meters.[4]
  • Cameras for day and night surveillance and a warhead for soft-skin targets.[4]
  • Recall and reuse. A parachute-based mid-flight recovery system and a mission abort function for unidentified targets.[18][4][10]

Future development

Nagastra-3 on display

While the subsidiary company Economic Explosives Limited, began developmental works for the Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3, more advanced variants of the platform with improved warhead carrying capacity and flying endurance. The design and development of a medium altitude long endurance class of drones has also been proposed by Solar Industries.[3] For man-in-loop control, the 12 kg Nagastra-2 carrying 2.2–4 kg anti-tank/anti-personnel warhead will have a range of more than 25 km and can hover over a target for 90 minutes. It is used against armored warfare targets.[19][20][10]

The Nagastra-3 is a component of Medium Range Precision Kill System. The Ministry of Defense has placed it under Project Sanction Order in the Make-I category of the Defense Acquisition Procedure 2020. The operational range and endurance of Nagastra-3 will be up to 100 km and more than 5 hours, respectively.[21]

Order

On 24 April 2023, Solar Industries announced that Economic Explosives Limited had defeated contenders from Poland's WB Electronics Warmate and Israel's UVision Air to secure a ₹212 crore contract with the Ministry of Defense for the provision of supplying loitering munitions.[22][23][14][24] Compared to similar airborne weaponry imported from Poland and Israel, Nagastra-1 is found 40% less expensive.[25]

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve precision-strike capabilities and update its artillery and infantry support systems, the Indian Army ordered 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions on 23 June 2025.[26][27]

Operational history

The Indian Army confirmed the system's readiness for deployment by completing a pre-delivery inspection for the first batch of Nagastra-1 which consists of 120 units at Army Ammunition Depot in Pulgaon between 20–25 May 2024.[28][29]

In order to acquire and engage targets during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army employed Nagastra-1.[30][31]

Operators

 India

  •  Indian Army: The initial batch of 120 units were delivered in June 2024.[32] Additional 480 units delivered in December 2024.[33]

See also

  • WB Electronics Warmate
  • UVision Air Hero
  • AeroVironment Switchblade
  • Raytheon Coyote
  • ZALA Lancet

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Army gets Nagastra-1, India's first indigenous suicide drone" (in en). 2024-06-14. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-army-nagasatra-1-first-indigenous-suicide-drone-defence-technology-2553109-2024-06-14. 
  2. ↑ "Nagpur's Nagastra flies over Lahore, presents doomsday" (in en). 2025-05-09. https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1530963&u=nagpurs-nagastra-flies-over-lahore-presents-doomsday-1530963. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "India Army's drone arsenal expands: Nagastra-1 brings enhanced lethality and precision to battlefield" (in en). https://www.theweek.in/news/defence/2024/12/04/india-armys-drone-arsenal-expands-nagastra-1-brings-enhanced-lethality-and-precision-to-battlefield.html. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Army unleashes 'silent killer' indigenous Nagastra-1 suicide drones along Pakistan, China borders: Key features revealed". The Economic Times. 2024-06-17. ISSN 0013-0389. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-unleashes-silent-killer-indigenous-nagastra-1-suicide-drones-along-pakistan-china-borders-key-features-revealed/articleshow/110996803.cms. 
  5. ↑ Kweera, Rakshit (6 May 2023). "Drones: An Emerging Threat on the Volatile India-Pakistan Border" (in en-US). https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/drones-an-emerging-threat-on-the-volatile-india-pakistan-border/. 
  6. ↑ Patil, Sameer; Arora, Raj (8 May 2023). "Countering Hostile Drone Activity on the India-Pakistan Border" (in en). https://www.orfonline.org/research/countering-hostile-drone-activity-on-the-india-pakistan-border. 
  7. ↑ Pillai, Joy (2024-12-30). "Is LAC in danger as China acquiring 1 million suicide drones, India's Nagastra ready to…" (in en). https://www.india.com/news/world/is-lac-in-danger-as-china-acquiring-1-million-suicide-drones-indias-nagastra-ready-to-7502914/. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Yadav, Dhruv (2024-06-14). "Indigenous Nagastra-1 Suicide Drones Delivered To Army Set for Induction" (in en-US). https://bharatshakti.in/indigenous-nagastra-1-suicide-drones-delivered-to-army-set-for-induction/. 
  9. ↑ "Indian Kamikaze Drone Going Global" (in en-US). 2025-01-25. https://resonantnews.com/2025/01/25/indian-kamikaze-drone-going-global/. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Sof, Eric (2023-06-18). "EEL Nagastra: India's Indigenous Loitering Munition Revolutionizes Defense Capabilities" (in en-US). https://combatoperators.com/vehicles/air/loitering-munition/eel-nagastra-1/. 
  11. ↑ "Market reacts to this defence firm's involvement in strategic Operation Sindoor" (in en-US). 2025-05-15. https://www.manufacturingtodayindia.com/market-reacts-to-this-defence-firms-involvement-in-strategic-operation-sindoor. 
  12. ↑ Pant, Asmita (2024-06-14). "Nagastra-1: Indian Army is now equipped with first batch of high-precision, man-portable suicide drones" (in en). https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/nagastra-1-indian-army-receives-first-batch-of-high-precision-man-portable-suicide-drones-19428435.htm. 
  13. ↑ "Solar Industries to supply UAV 'Nagastra' to Indian Army". The Economic Times. 2023-04-21. ISSN 0013-0389. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/solar-industries-to-supply-uav-nagastra-to-indian-army/articleshow/99664452.cms?from=mdr. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Arya, Shishir (2023-04-21). "Nagpur's Nagastra beats global munition biggies". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/nagpurs-nagastra-beats-global-munition-biggies/articleshow/99654468.cms. 
  15. ↑ Teotia, Riya (2024-06-14). "Indian Army receives first batch of indigenous suicide drones 'Nagastra-1'" (in en). https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-receives-first-batch-of-indigenous-suicide-drones-nagastra-1-731652. 
  16. ↑ "Indian Army orders 450 more Nagastra-1R loitering munitions from Solar Defence" (in en). 2025-06-23. https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/indian-army-orders-450-more-nagastra-1r-loitering-munitions-from-solar-defence-19625218.htm. 
  17. ↑ Linganna, Girish (2024-06-16). "Nagastra-1: India's first indigenous suicide drone" (in en). https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/report-new-standard-for-tactical-warfare-nagastra-1-is-india-first-indigenous-suicide-drone-3093593. 
  18. ↑ "Nagpur firm to supply UAV 'Nagastra-1' to Indian Army; know features of the precision strike drone" (in en). 2023-04-21. https://newsable.asianetnews.com/india-defence/nagpur-firm-to-supply-uav-nagastra-1-to-indian-army-know-features-of-the-precision-strike-drone-snt-rtgppl. 
  19. ↑ Katoch (Retd), Lt. General P.C. (2023-05-15). "Indigenous Nagastra Kamikaze Drone". https://www.sps-aviation.com/experts-speak/?id=723&h=Indigenous-Nagastra-Kamikaze-Drone. 
  20. ↑ Kumar, Abhijeet (2024-06-14). "Indian Army gets first indigenous suicide drones with reusable technology" (in en-US). India. https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/indian-army-gets-first-indigenous-suicide-drones-with-reusable-technology-124061400184_1.html. 
  21. ↑ Jain, Karishma (2025-03-30). "What is Nagastra-3? India's New Loitering Munition In The Making" (in en). https://www.news18.com/india/what-is-nagastra-3-indias-new-loitering-munition-in-the-making-9280649.html. 
  22. ↑ "Solar Industries India bags Rs 212 crore order from Ministry of Defence" (in en). 2023-04-24. https://psuwatch.com/defencewatch/solar-industries-india-bags-rs-212-crore-order-from-ministry-of-defence. 
  23. ↑ Bisht, Inder Singh (2023-04-26). "Indian Army Procures Over 400 Locally-Made Kamikaze Drones" (in en-US). https://thedefensepost.com/2023/04/26/indian-army-kamikaze-drones/. 
  24. ↑ "What is Nagastra-1, Indian Army's first 'Make in India' suicide drones?" (in en-us). 2024-06-14. https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/what-is-nagastra-1-indian-armys-first-make-in-india-suicide-drones-13782576.html. 
  25. ↑ Siddiqui, Huma (2024-06-16). "India advances in drone warfare with Nagastra 1 Deployment" (in en). https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-india-advances-in-drone-warfare-with-nagastra-1-deployment-3526250/. 
  26. ↑ "Army drone deal: India orders 450 Nagastra-1R units; SDAL touts reusable, precision strike edge". The Times of India. 2025-06-23. ISSN 0971-8257. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/army-drone-deal-india-orders-450-nagastra-1r-units-sdal-touts-reusable-precision-strike-edge/articleshow/122022676.cms. 
  27. ↑ "Nagastra-1R suicide drone: Check the features of this made in India drone". The Economic Times. 2025-06-23. ISSN 0013-0389. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/nagastra-1r-suicide-drone-check-the-features-of-this-made-in-india-drone/articleshow/122018179.cms?from=mdr. 
  28. ↑ "Indian Army inducts indigenous Nagastra-1 kamikaze drones from Solar Industries" (in en). https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/indian-army-inducts-indigenous-nagastra-1-kamikaze-drones-from-solar-industries20240614213638/. 
  29. ↑ "Nagastra-1, India's own suicide drone for Army: 6 things to know - First batch of Nagastra-1 delivered" (in en). https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/nagastra-1-indias-own-suicide-drone-for-army-6-things-to-know/first-batch-of-nagastra-1-delivered/slideshow/110999427.cms?from=mdr. 
  30. ↑ "Watch: Indian Army simulates future warfare using AI and drones near China border". The Economic Times. 2025-07-28. ISSN 0013-0389. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/watch-indian-army-simulates-future-warfare-using-ai-and-drones-near-china-border/articleshow/122949671.cms?from=mdr. 
  31. ↑ "Govt is committed to achieving Aatmanirbharta in ammunition manufacturing & make the country a global production hub: Raksha Mantri" (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 2026-01-18. Retrieved 2026-01-19. He added that Nagastra drones, manufactured by the Solar Group, were successfully used during Operation Sindoor, as it accurately struck terrorist targets, thereby proving its strategic capability.
  32. ↑ "Watch: Army Inducts Indigenous Nagastra-1 Precision "Kamikaze Drones"" (in en). 2024-06-14. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-army-inducts-indigenous-nagastra-1-precision-kamikaze-drones-5891971. 
  33. ↑ "Indian Army receives 480 loitering munitions from Solar Industries for precision strike capabilities" (in en). 2025-12-03. https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indian-army-receives-480-loitering-munitions-from-solar-industries-for-precision-strike-capabilities20241203083214/. 



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