India is making big progress in building its own defence technology. The Indian Army recently ordered 450 NAGASTRA-1R drones from a local company, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL).Along with this, two other systems - the Rudrastra UAV and the Bhargavastra anti-drone system, were successfully tested.These advanced, made-in-India systems will help the country fight modern threats like enemy drones and improve its defence strength without relying on foreign suppliers.
India Strengthens Its Drone Power with NAGASTRA-1R, Rudrastra UAV, and Bhargavastra Systems
India has taken a big step forward in building its own defence technology by purchasing 450 NAGASTRA-1R loitering munitions from Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL).
This move highlights India’s focus on modernizing its military and becoming more self-reliant.
Alongside this, the successful testing of two more systems by SDAL - the Rudrastra VTOL UAV and the Bhargavastra counter-drone system, shows India’s growing strength in developing advanced homegrown defence solutions.
The NAGASTRA-1R is a reusable loitering munition system designed to deliver accurate strikes while keeping costs low. Unlike many single-use drones, this system can be launched and used multiple times.
It comes with a 360-degree gimbal camera for full-range surveillance and even has an option for a thermal camera to operate during nighttime.
One of the most impressive features is its accuracy. With a Circular Error Probability (CEP) of just 2 meters, it can hit targets with extreme precision, reducing the chances of harming unintended targets.
It uses GPS for targeting and has been tested in many different parts of India, including the mountains of Ladakh and the Babina ranges near Jhansi.
Importantly, it uses over 80% indigenous components and more than the 75% requirement under the Make in India initiative. This not only cuts dependency on foreign parts but also boosts local manufacturing.
SDAL also successfully tested the Rudrastra - a hybrid drone that can take off and land vertically (VTOL).
The Indian Army tested it at the Pokhran range, and it met all required performance standards.
This drone can travel more than 50 km while providing live video and can operate for around 1.5 hours.
One highlight of the trial was the successful use of a small, guided warhead that exploded mid-air near the target which is ideal for tackling enemy personnel in open areas.
Drones are becoming a major threat in wars worldwide, especially when used in large numbers (called drone swarms).
SDAL created the Bhargavastra system to defend against these. Tested in Gopalpur in May 2025, this system uses micro-rockets to quickly destroy enemy drones.
Bhargavastra has two layers of defence:
Unguided micro-rockets that can take down swarms up to 2.5 km away.
Guided mini-missiles for targeting more important or harder-to-hit aerial threats.
It also comes with strong radar and infrared sensors that can detect stealth drones, making it a powerful shield against modern airborne threats.
Recent wars, such as the 2020 conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the ongoing war in Ukraine, have shown that drones are changing how wars are fought.
In these conflicts, drones have been used to destroy powerful weapons and defences at a fraction of the cost.
India learned this lesson firsthand during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when Pakistani drones tried to cross into Indian territory in 36 places.
While India managed to stop these attacks using a mix of weapons and jammers, it showed the urgent need for strong, locally-made drone defence systems like Bhargavastra.
The purchase of NAGASTRA-1R under emergency powers (up to ₹300 crore) allowed the Indian Army to quickly get the systems it needed.
These special procurement rules, introduced due to rising border tensions, help the armed forces get important gear without delays.
SDAL has also worked closely with the military, developing these systems based on actual combat feedback instead of just theory.
This practical approach ensures the products are ready for real-world action and cost-effective.
The combination of the NAGASTRA-1R loitering munition, Rudrastra UAV, and Bhargavastra defence system represents a major milestone for India.
It shows the country is ready to handle both offensive and defensive drone warfare using its own technology.
This achievement supports India’s goals of becoming more self-reliant(Atmanirbhar Bharat)and less dependent on foreign military suppliers.
It also opens the door for India to export defence technology to other countries.
SDAL’s work shows how private Indian companies can build world-class defence systems that meet military needs.
It offers a strong example for other sectors in India’s defence industry and proves that Indian innovation can lead in critical technology areas.
With these new systems, India is not just preparing for future wars but it is also setting an example in responsible and smart defence development.
These efforts help protect national security while also creating opportunities for India to grow as a global defence player.
