‘Kamikaze Mode’: India’s first suicide drone Nagastra-1 has been shipped to armed forces

Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar

Achieving Self-Reliance

[{"selector":"#anim-5fb0e6d2-58b5-46cb-a20f-16bf1be4c816 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(11.13970576866232%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The Indian Army is advancing towards self-sufficiency in defence systems with the induction of Nagastra-1, the nation’s inaugural indigenous loiter munition.

Developed by Solar Industries

[{"selector":"#anim-7dbde968-bc0a-4f63-84bf-eec96a23f2e8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a2c25171-7ea4-43e0-9c66-4c5a38a7c48a","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-84.16031%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Solar Industries of Nagpur, through its subsidiary Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), fulfilled the Army’s order with 480 units of Nagastra-1.

Successful Delivery

[{"selector":"#anim-524594e2-1fdf-4fea-b750-ce53deee9226 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Following a meticulous Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) from May 20-25, EEL delivered the initial batch of 120 units to the Pulgaon ammunition depot.

Combat Capability

[{"selector":"#anim-ec554663-3959-4d32-a684-863311f485fc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(19.39175222299688%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Nagastra-1 operates in “kamikaze mode,” effectively neutralising threats with GPS-guided precision strikes, boasting an accuracy of up to two meters. Credit : ANI

Technical Specifications

[{"selector":"#anim-aec3231f-9754-458b-90a3-8854e8682e48 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.080837311716095%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Weighing 9 kg, this man-portable fixed-wing electric UAV offers a 30-minute endurance, a 15 km range under human control, and up to 30 km in autonomous mode. Credit : ANI

Low Signature

[{"selector":"#anim-4d2f6059-5cbd-44f5-9d59-a2acac5f4423","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c2467d70-c5ed-4027-b019-fa85d75db1c1","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -103.63757%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Featuring electric propulsion, Nagastra-1 maintains a low acoustic signature, making it difficult to detect above 200 meters altitude. Credit : ANI

Versatile Capabilities

[{"selector":"#anim-0cefad29-fe55-469d-af27-3837474faf3d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(37.5496331233087%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Equipped with day and night surveillance cameras, the drone carries a 1 kg high-explosive warhead for targeting soft-skin objects.

Unique Design Features

[{"selector":"#anim-a6c2e378-16f1-42c0-8528-2c318517bbee [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(11.4889459474803%, 9.295650568310764%) scale(1.3759398496240602)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Nagastra-1 includes advanced functionalities such as abort, recover, and reuse, facilitated by a parachute recovery system, distinguishing it globally.

Strategic Importance

[{"selector":"#anim-c32f12dd-5280-4949-a629-2c6789b4342b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ef03a674-a5a2-47eb-9a60-4e0fdf179e21","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(89.48374%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The introduction of Nagastra-1 underscores India’s strategic advancement in drone technology, enhancing its defensive capabilities amidst regional security challenges. Credit : ANI

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