New Delhi: In a big step towards achieving Atmanirbharta in defense systems, Indian Army has received its first batch of the indigenous loiter munition, Nagastra-1. Developed by Nagpurs Solar Industries, Army has placed an order for 480 of these advanced munitions from Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solar Industries.After a thorough Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) from May 20-25, EEL delivered the first batch of 120 units to the ammunition depot in Pulgaon. Nagastra-1 is known for its Kamikaze Mode which neutralizes threats with GPS-enabled precision strikes, boasting an impressive accuracy of up to two meters.#WATCH | The first indigenous Loitering Munition, Nagastra–1, developed by Solar Industries, Nagpur, has been delivered to the Indian ArmyNagastra -1, in a kamikaze mode can neutralize any hostile threat with GPS-enabled precision strike with an accuracy of 2m. The… pic.twitter.com/kWeehBMGvW— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2024Key features and capabilities of Nagastra-1Man-Portable and Efficient: Weighing 9 kg, this fixed-wing electric UAV is designed for portability and ease of use. It has an endurance of 30 minutes and a range of 15 km with manual control, extending up to 30 km in autonomous mode. Thanks to its electric propulsion system, Nagastra-1 has a low acoustic signature, making it nearly undetectable at altitudes over 200 meters.The first indigenous Loitering Munition, Nagastra–1, developed by Solar Industries, Nagpur, has been delivered to the Indian Army. The Indian Army has placed an order to Solar Induatries Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL) to supply 480 Loiter Munitions under Emergency Procurement… pic.twitter.com/ClHofB7EOE— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2024Kamikaze Mode: In its kamikaze mode, Nagastra-1 can effectively neutralize hostile threats with GPS-enabled precision strikes, achieving an accuracy of up to two meters. This feature allows it to target specific threats with high precision.High Altitude Operation: The UAV can operate at altitudes over 4,500 meters, making it undetectable by radar. For example, if a target is a convoy carrying a militant leader, Nagastra-1 can loiter in the air and strike at the precise moment the target arrives.Day-Night Surveillance: Equipped with day-night surveillance cameras, the loiter munition can perform in various lighting conditions, ensuring effective operation at all times.Abort and Recover: One of the standout features of Nagastra-1 is its ability to abort a mission if necessary. If the target is not detected or the mission needs to be called off, the drone can return and make a soft landing using a parachute, allowing for reuse.Superior to International Counterparts: Nagastra-1 stands out due to its ability to be recovered and reused, a feature not commonly found in similar systems developed by advanced countries. This makes it a more cost-effective and versatile option for the Indian Army.
