Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully completed a key flight test of its indigenous Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at the Pokharan Firing Range, aligning with Indian Army performance benchmarks for mission adaptability, high endurance, precision engagement, and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability.

The trial marks a notable achievement in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, underscoring advancements in home-grown military technology. The Rudrastra UAV demonstrated a mission radius exceeding 50 km with uninterrupted video relay, a total operational range of over 170 km, and an endurance of around 1.5 hours, including time spent hovering over the target.

A significant feature was the successful deployment of a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead, which produced a low-altitude airburst with wide-area impact. Dropped from a medium altitude, the munition met tactical standards, showcasing the UAV’s real-time targeting accuracy and operational flexibility.

Separately, in May, SDAL also developed the ‘Bhargavastra’ Counter Drone System, designed for hard kill response against hostile drones. The system, equipped with unguided micro rockets, underwent extensive testing at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, meeting all performance goals.

Bhargavastra is capable of neutralising incoming drones within a 2.5 km range and creates a 20-metre lethal radius upon impact. Optimised for deployment across diverse and high-altitude terrains—above 5,000 metres—the system is tailored to suit operational demands of India’s armed forces.

Both Rudrastra and Bhargavastra reinforce India’s push toward self-reliant defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ framework, adding robust capabilities to the nation’s evolving defence ecosystem.

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