Archive · 23 Jun 2025
Indian Army Orders Munitions; SDAL Tests New Defense Systems
The Indian Army is buying about 450 smart, flying bombs called Nagastra-1R from a company called SDAL.
These bombs can see all around with a special camera and hit targets very accurately.
They were tested in different places, and most of the parts are made in India.
SDAL also tested a drone that can take off and land straight up, fly a long way, and hit targets precisely.
Plus, they tried out a new way to shoot down enemy drones using small rockets, designed to protect against drone swarms.
These advancements help India make its own defense technology.
Indian Army orders approximately 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions from SDAL.
Nagastra-1R features a 360-degree gimbal camera, high-precision targeting, and over 80% indigenous content.
Systems were tested in Ladakh and Babina, with successful trials of SDAL's hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra.
Rudrastra trials included vertical take-off/landing, precision targeting, and a mission radius of over 50 km.
SDAL also tested 'Bhargavastra', a low-cost counter-drone solution employing micro-rockets.
- Who
- Indian Army and Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL).
- What
- Indian Army placed an order for Nagastra-1R loitering munitions and SDAL tested Rudrastra UAV and Bhargavastra counter-drone system.
- When
- Order placed and trials completed before June 23, 2025; Rudrastra trial on June 12.
- Where
- Systems tested at various locations, including Ladakh and Babina near Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, Pokharan Firing Range, and Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur.
- Why
- To enhance defense capabilities and promote indigenization in defense technologies.
- Munition Ordered
- Nagastra-1R
- Quantity
- Approximately 450
- Manufacturer
- Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL)
- Camera
- 360-degree gimbal camera with thermal option
- CEP
- 2 metres
- Indigenous Content
- Over 80%