The Indian Army is all set to induct the indigenous suicide drone Nagastra-1 loitering munitions. Nagpur-based Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL) has delivered the first batch of Loitering Munition, Nagastra–1, to the Indian Army. The Indian Army has placed an order with EEL, a subsidiary of Solar Industries, for the supply of 480 Loiter Munitions under Emergency Procurement Powers. After successfully completing pre-delivery inspections, EEL delivered 120 Loiter Munitions to the Army.
The weapon system can be best described as part missile and part Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones, have proven their worth in many conflicts in recent times, especially in Ukraine. The weapon, once launched, can fly or loiter over a target area, showcasing its versatility in searching for an appropriate target. Once the target has been found, the loitering munition dives down upon its intended target and destroys it in a flash using its built-in warhead onboard. This type of weapon is particularly effective as it enables faster reaction times, especially for fleeting targets, without risking high-value platforms.
The Nagastra
The Nagastra-1 is a fixed-wing loitering munition with over 75% Indigenous parts powered by two electric motors. An operator can control it for up to a distance of 15 km. It can fly up to a distance of 30 km and land hit a fixed target whose grid coordinates have been fed to the drone; in this mode, GPS guides it, and it will hit within 2 km of its target. If the drone fails to spot a target, it can be recovered with the help of its in-built parachute, which ensures the drone makes a soft landing. The army has received 120 of the 480 Nagastra-1 drones ordered under Emergency Procurement Powers.
Other Suicide Drones In India’s Arsenal
The Indian armed forces have many other Kamikaze drones besides the Nagastra, such as Tata’s Advanced Loitering System (ALS)-50, Spike Firefly from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Skystriker, Warmate from Poland, IAI Harpy, IAI Harop, and the Indian Kadet’s LAM. Orders have been given for 150 units of the Johnette JM-1 loitering munition.
