Nagastra 1

The Indian Army has recently made significant progress in the field of defence by signing a contract to purchase over 450 completely indigenous Nagastra-1 loitering munitions. Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, in collaboration with Z-Motion from Bangalore, Nagastra-1 is a game-changer for India’s defence industry, surpassing competitors from Israel and Poland to secure the contract.

Advanced Features of Nagastra-1

Nagastra-1 is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of choice for loitering munitions with advanced features such as abort, recover, and reuse capabilities. Its superior features make it stand out amongst similar systems developed by more technologically advanced countries. Nagastra-1 is a significant accomplishment for India’s defence industry and aligns well with the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative.

Solar Industries Secures the Contract

Solar Industries Nagpur, a leading company in India’s defence industry, has secured the contract to provide Nagastra-1 to the Indian Army. The company’s push for self-reliance in ammunition and defence systems has resulted in the development of the first domestic Loiter Munition (LM). This milestone achievement was made possible through the collaboration between Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL) and Z-Motion.

Emergency Procurement Provisions and Delivery Timeline

The Indian Army has signed the contract for the acquisition of Nagastra-1 under the emergency procurement provisions, which must be delivered within one year. These emergency procurement deals can have a maximum value of ₹300 crores, reflecting the urgency and priority given to indigenous defence products in emergency situations. Such measures promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign sources.

Boosting Indigenous Capability with Weaponised Drones

Solar Industries has undertaken the task of creating a diverse range of weaponized drones, among which is the Nagastra-1. These drones possess the ability to neutralize a range of targets by means of gravity drop bombs, guided missiles, or by utilizing the Kamikaze mode. This showcases the company’s commitment to enhancing the indigenous capability of using drones/UAVs as war machinery. The successful development and acquisition of Nagastra-1 by the Indian Army is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in ammunition and defence systems.

Demonstrated Effectiveness of Drone Technology in Military Operations

The effectiveness of drone technology as a force multiplier in military operations has been demonstrated worldwide. Recent conflicts, such as those in Syria, the one between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the attack on oilfields in Saudi Arabia, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, have emphasized the critical role of drones in contemporary warfare. The acquisition of Nagastra-1 by the Indian Army signifies the country’s commitment to staying at par with global advancements in defence technology and leveraging indigenous capabilities.

Month: Current Affairs – April, 2023

Category: Defence Current Affairs