SDAL Tests Rudrastra UAV and Bhargavastra Defence System

16 Jun 2025 CW Team

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.

Image source:https://www.cnbctv18.com/

Infrastructure Urban

05 May 2026

Meghalaya And Assam Hold Talks To End Transport Stoppages In Garo Hills

Meghalaya and Assam have opened talks aimed at ending recent stoppages of commodity transport in the Garo Hills, officials said. The deputy chief minister, in charge of home affairs, reported that both state governments are coordinating to resolve disruptions and to restore normal movement of goods. He acknowledged that misunderstandings may have contributed to the incidents and that clarification between administrative units is under way. The discussions are intended to produce practical arrangements that will allow consignments to move without hindrance while respecting local procedures. The..

Kochi Metro Records 1.375 mn Rise In Passengers In FY26

Kochi Metro recorded a marginal rise in ridership in the financial year 2025-26, carrying 1.375 mn more passengers than in the previous year. The service carried 36.8 million (mn) passengers in 2025-26 compared with 35.5 mn in 2024-25, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.9 per cent. The growth was described as distributed rather than concentrated in isolated spikes. A month-wise analysis shows steady gains across quarters. In the first quarter, ridership increased from 8.57 mn to 8.84 mn, while the second quarter rose from 9.13 mn to 9.51 mn. These trends indicated broad-based improvemen..

Ghaziabad Plans 16km Metro Link To Delhi Via Hindon Airport

Ghaziabad authorities are pursuing a 16 km metro link to Delhi that will run via Hindon Airport, and a detailed project report is under way. The plan is intended to improve connectivity between Ghaziabad and the national capital and to provide an interchange with the airport. Officials said the project is being studied to assess alignments, station locations and cost estimates ahead of formal approvals and tendering. The announcement follows the inauguration of the Delhi?Faridabad metro extension, which will offer hassle free travel for around 0.2 mn daily commuters between the national capita..