In a major feat in self-reliance in defence sector, the Indian Army received a supply of 480 loitering munitions (also known as kamikaze drones) named Nagastra-1. Produced by Nagpur-based Solar Industries, these light, man-portable munitions have more than 75 per cent indigenous content.
The weapon systems have been delivered to the Indian Army under a contract signed under its emergency procurement initiative, news agency ANI reported.
The induction of Nagastra-1, which is intended for precision strikes, is set to majorly boost India's drone warfare capabilities. Incorporating cutting-edge technology suited for modern warfare, these drones feature precision-guided weapons capable of identifying, tracking and eliminating target with great accuracy.
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Nagastra-1, which weighs just 30 kg, has a 1-kg high explosive fragmenting warhead that can nutralize soft-skin targets. It is ideal for surgical operations that require high precision as Nagastra-1 offers GPS-enabled strikes with an accuracy of up to two metres.
It incorporates day and night surveillance cameras enabling real-time recce and target identification. The unique parachute recovery of this loitering munition allows for mission aborts and reuse of the drone, setting it apart from similar systems globally.
The company is already working on advanced versions of the munition, named Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3 which will have enhanced warhead carrying capabilities.
Meanwhile, Solar Industries has also submitted proposals for the design and development of a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class of drones.