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{{Short description|Unmanned aerial vehicle and loitering munition}}

{{Infobox weapon
| name = Nagastra-1
| image = PM Narendra Modi shown Solar Group's Nagastra-1 and Nagastra-2 Loitering drones.jpg
| origin = [[India]]
| type = [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]] <br />[[Loitering munition]]
| is_ranged = Yes
| is_explosive = Yes
| is_vehicle = Yes
| is_missile = Yes
| used_by = [[Indian Army]]
| wars = [[2025 India–Pakistan conflict]]
| designer = Z-Motion Autonomous Systems <br />Economic Explosives Limited
| design_date =
| manufacturer = Economic Explosives Limited
| unit_cost =
| production_date = 2024–current
| weight = {{convert|8-9|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| length =
| width =
| filling = [[High-explosive]] [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmentation]]
| filling_weight = {{convert|1-1.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| engine = [[Electric motor]]
| payload_capacity =
| vehicle_range = {{convert|30-40|km|abbr=on}}
| ceiling = >{{convert|4500|m|km|abbr=on}} [[AMSL]]
| altitude = >{{convert|200|m|abbr=on}} [[Above ground level|AGL]]
| speed =
| accuracy = {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}} [[Circular error probable|CEP]]
}}

The '''Nagastra-1''' is an indigenously designed, portable [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] and [[loitering munition]], developed by the [[Nagpur]] based private company Economic Explosives Limited in collaboration with [[Bengaluru]] based [[Startup company|startup]] Z-Motion Autonomous Systems. It is intended to give the [[Indian Army]] a modern, lightweight, and adaptable system for [[asymmetric warfare]], such as [[reconnaissance]] and [[precision strike]]s.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-06-14 |title=Army gets Nagastra-1, India's first indigenous suicide drone |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-army-nagasatra-1-first-indigenous-suicide-drone-defence-technology-2553109-2024-06-14 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

Nagastra-1 can precisely locate, track, and destroy the target. It is used for concentrated attacks against single, authorized target while reducing [[collateral damage]]. With [[AI]] capabilities, Nagastra-1 can keep circling the skies until it locates its target. By delivering precise hits on enemy training camps, launch pads, and infiltration units, the Nagastra-1 lowers the risk for soldiers. As per the company, Nagastra-1 is made of over 75% indigenous content.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-09 |title=Nagpur's Nagastra flies over Lahore, presents doomsday |url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1530963&u=nagpurs-nagastra-flies-over-lahore-presents-doomsday-1530963 |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=Keralakaumudi Daily |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=India Army's drone arsenal expands: Nagastra-1 brings enhanced lethality and precision to battlefield |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/defence/2024/12/04/india-armys-drone-arsenal-expands-nagastra-1-brings-enhanced-lethality-and-precision-to-battlefield.html |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite news |date=2024-06-17 |title=Army unleashes 'silent killer' indigenous Nagastra-1 suicide drones along Pakistan, China borders: Key features revealed |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-unleashes-silent-killer-indigenous-nagastra-1-suicide-drones-along-pakistan-china-borders-key-features-revealed/articleshow/110996803.cms |access-date=2025-05-16 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

== History and development ==
The use of [[loitering munition]]s during the [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]], the [[Red Sea crisis]], the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], and the [[China|Chinese]] acquisitions of suicide drones as well as the increase in drone-related incidents in India's border areas, particularly with [[Pakistan]], prompted Economics Explosives Limited, a subsidiary of Solar Industries, to work with Indian startup Z-Motion Autonomous Systems to develop Nagastra-1 for the [[Indian Army]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kweera |first=Rakshit |date=6 May 2023 |title=Drones: An Emerging Threat on the Volatile India-Pakistan Border |url=https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/drones-an-emerging-threat-on-the-volatile-india-pakistan-border/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Patil |first1=Sameer |last2=Arora |first2=Raj |date=8 May 2023 |title=Countering Hostile Drone Activity on the India-Pakistan Border |url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/countering-hostile-drone-activity-on-the-india-pakistan-border |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=orfonline.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pillai |first=Joy |date=2024-12-30 |title=Is LAC in danger as China acquiring 1 million suicide drones, India's Nagastra ready to… |url=https://www.india.com/news/world/is-lac-in-danger-as-china-acquiring-1-million-suicide-drones-indias-nagastra-ready-to-7502914/ |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=india.com |language=en}}</ref> Nagastra-1 is man-portable, [[Electric powered aircraft|electric powered]] fixed wing [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]/[[loitering munition]]. With a total weight of 30 kg divided between two [[backpack]], the Nagastra-1 weapon system includes a payload, communication control, portable [[ground control station]], and a [[Pneumatics|pneumatic]] launcher. Nagastra-1 is based on Z Motion Autonomous Systems' Trinetra loitering munition. The [[UAV]] weighs 8–9 kg and has a 30-minute [[Flight endurance record|flight endurance]] time with two electric motors. With man-in-loop control, its range is 15 km, while in autonomous mode, it can reach 30–40 km.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Dhruv |date=2024-06-14 |title=Indigenous Nagastra-1 Suicide Drones Delivered To Army Set for Induction |url=https://bharatshakti.in/indigenous-nagastra-1-suicide-drones-delivered-to-army-set-for-induction/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Bharat Shakti |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-25 |title=Indian Kamikaze Drone Going Global |url=https://resonantnews.com/2025/01/25/indian-kamikaze-drone-going-global/ |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=resonantnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Sof |first=Eric |date=2023-06-18 |title=EEL Nagastra: India's Indigenous Loitering Munition Revolutionizes Defense Capabilities |url=https://combatoperators.com/vehicles/air/loitering-munition/eel-nagastra-1/ |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=Combat Operators |language=en-US}}</ref> The 30-minute flight endurance time has now been extended to 60 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-15 |title=Market reacts to this defence firm's involvement in strategic Operation Sindoor |url=https://www.manufacturingtodayindia.com/market-reacts-to-this-defence-firms-involvement-in-strategic-operation-sindoor |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Manufacturing Today India |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pant |first=Asmita |date=2024-06-14 |title=Nagastra-1: Indian Army is now equipped with first batch of high-precision, man-portable suicide drones |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/nagastra-1-indian-army-receives-first-batch-of-high-precision-man-portable-suicide-drones-19428435.htm |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=CNBCTV18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-04-21 |title=Solar Industries to supply UAV 'Nagastra' to Indian Army |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/solar-industries-to-supply-uav-nagastra-to-indian-army/articleshow/99664452.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-05-17 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
[[File:PM Narendra Modi shown Solar Group's Nagastra-1 and Nagastra-2 Loitering drone warhead.jpg|thumb|Nagastra warhead on display]]
Nagastra-1 carries 1-1.5 kg of [[high-explosive]] [[fragmentation warhead]] with surveillance cameras for day and night operation.<ref name="Arya">{{Cite news |last=Arya |first=Shishir |date=2023-04-21 |title=Nagpur's Nagastra beats global munition biggies |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/nagpurs-nagastra-beats-global-munition-biggies/articleshow/99654468.cms |access-date=2025-05-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> After taking off, Nagastra-1 can fly over a designated region and look for a suitable target. When the target is located, it dives at it and eliminates it. Nagastra-1 allows for quicker reaction times for moving targets. Due to the ability to modify or cancel attacks in mid-flight, more selective targeting is possible by faster response time against hidden targets. Because it uses an electric propulsion system, the UAV has a low sound signature, making it almost undetectable at heights above 200 meters. In [[kamikaze]] mode, Nagastra-1 can use [[GPS]]/[[NavIC]] [[satellite guidance]] to eliminate hostile threats with an accuracy of up to 2 meters [[Circular error probable|CEP]]. Nagastra-1 has the ability to terminate its mission in midair and be recovered using a parachute recovery mechanism for use in future missions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Teotia |first=Riya |date=2024-06-14 |title=Indian Army receives first batch of indigenous suicide drones 'Nagastra-1' |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-receives-first-batch-of-indigenous-suicide-drones-nagastra-1-731652 |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=Wion |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

=== Nagastra-1R ===
A 360-degree [[gimbal]] camera is part of the system, and for night missions, a [[thermal camera]] can be added. It also has a high-precision targeting system with a [[circular error probable]] (CEP) of 2 meters, as well as proprietary [[encryption]] for safe video and [[telemetry]] transmissions. More than 80% of the system's parts are indigenous. Successful field tests have been conducted at [[Babina, Uttar Pradesh|Babina]], and [[Ladakh]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-23 |title=Indian Army orders 450 more Nagastra-1R loitering munitions from Solar Defence |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/indian-army-orders-450-more-nagastra-1r-loitering-munitions-from-solar-defence-19625218.htm |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=CNBCTV18 |language=en}}</ref>

== Features ==

* Lightweight, portable and easy to carry the entire weapon system in two [[backpack]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Linganna |first=Girish |date=2024-06-16 |title=Nagastra-1: India's first indigenous suicide drone |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/report-new-standard-for-tactical-warfare-nagastra-1-is-india-first-indigenous-suicide-drone-3093593 |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref>
* Precision strike capability in [[kamikaze]] mode.<ref name=":02" />
* Operation at high altitudes above 4,500 meters.<ref name=":02" />
* Cameras for day and night surveillance and a warhead for soft-skin targets.<ref name=":02" />
* Recall and reuse. A parachute-based mid-flight recovery system and a mission abort function for unidentified targets.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-21 |title=Nagpur firm to supply UAV 'Nagastra-1' to Indian Army; know features of the precision strike drone |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/india-defence/nagpur-firm-to-supply-uav-nagastra-1-to-indian-army-know-features-of-the-precision-strike-drone-snt-rtgppl |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=Asianet Newsable |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":02" /><ref name=":3" />

== Future development ==
[[File:PM Narendra Modi shown Solar Group's Nagastra Loitering drone on launch platform.jpg|thumb|Nagastra-3 on display]]
While the subsidiary company Economic Explosives Limited, began developmental works for the Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3, more advanced variants of the platform with improved warhead carrying capacity and flying endurance. The design and development of a medium altitude long endurance class of drones has also been proposed by Solar Industries.<ref name=":2" /> For man-in-loop control, the 12 kg Nagastra-2 carrying 2.2–4 kg anti-tank/anti-personnel warhead will have a range of more than 25 km and can hover over a target for 90 minutes. It is used against [[Armoured warfare|armored warfare]] targets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Katoch (Retd) |first=Lt. General P.C. |date=2023-05-15 |title=Indigenous Nagastra Kamikaze Drone |url=https://www.sps-aviation.com/experts-speak/?id=723&h=Indigenous-Nagastra-Kamikaze-Drone |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=sps-aviation.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Abhijeet |date=2024-06-14 |title=Indian Army gets first indigenous suicide drones with reusable technology |url=https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/indian-army-gets-first-indigenous-suicide-drones-with-reusable-technology-124061400184_1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318211941/https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/indian-army-gets-first-indigenous-suicide-drones-with-reusable-technology-124061400184_1.html |archive-date=2025-03-18 |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=Business Standard |location=India |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3" />

The Nagastra-3 is a component of Medium Range Precision Kill System. The Ministry of Defense has placed it under Project Sanction Order in the Make-I category of the Defense Acquisition Procedure 2020. The operational range and endurance of Nagastra-3 will be up to 100 km and more than 5 hours, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jain |first=Karishma |date=2025-03-30 |title=What is Nagastra-3? India's New Loitering Munition In The Making |url=https://www.news18.com/india/what-is-nagastra-3-indias-new-loitering-munition-in-the-making-9280649.html |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

== Order ==
On 24 April 2023, Solar Industries announced that Economic Explosives Limited had defeated contenders from Poland's [[WB Electronics Warmate]] and Israel's [[UVision Air]] to secure a [[₹]]212 [[crore]] contract with the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defense]] for the provision of supplying loitering munitions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-24 |title=Solar Industries India bags Rs 212 crore order from Ministry of Defence |url=https://psuwatch.com/defencewatch/solar-industries-india-bags-rs-212-crore-order-from-ministry-of-defence |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=PSU Watch |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bisht |first=Inder Singh |date=2023-04-26 |title=Indian Army Procures Over 400 Locally-Made Kamikaze Drones |url=https://thedefensepost.com/2023/04/26/indian-army-kamikaze-drones/ |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=thedefensepost.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Arya"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-14 |title=What is Nagastra-1, Indian Army's first 'Make in India' suicide drones? |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/what-is-nagastra-1-indian-armys-first-make-in-india-suicide-drones-13782576.html |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref> Compared to similar airborne weaponry imported from Poland and Israel, Nagastra-1 is found 40% less expensive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siddiqui |first=Huma |date=2024-06-16 |title=India advances in drone warfare with Nagastra 1 Deployment |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-india-advances-in-drone-warfare-with-nagastra-1-deployment-3526250/ |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref>

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve precision-strike capabilities and update its artillery and infantry support systems, the Indian Army ordered 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions on 23 June 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-06-23 |title=Army drone deal: India orders 450 Nagastra-1R units; SDAL touts reusable, precision strike edge |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/army-drone-deal-india-orders-450-nagastra-1r-units-sdal-touts-reusable-precision-strike-edge/articleshow/122022676.cms |access-date=2025-07-29 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-06-23 |title=Nagastra-1R suicide drone: Check the features of this made in India drone |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/nagastra-1r-suicide-drone-check-the-features-of-this-made-in-india-drone/articleshow/122018179.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-06-23 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

== Operational history ==
The Indian Army confirmed the system's readiness for deployment by completing a pre-delivery inspection for the first batch of Nagastra-1 which consists of 120 units at Army Ammunition Depot in [[Pulgaon]] between 20–25 May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Army inducts indigenous Nagastra-1 kamikaze drones from Solar Industries |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/indian-army-inducts-indigenous-nagastra-1-kamikaze-drones-from-solar-industries20240614213638/ |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=ANI |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nagastra-1, India's own suicide drone for Army: 6 things to know - First batch of Nagastra-1 delivered |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/nagastra-1-indias-own-suicide-drone-for-army-6-things-to-know/first-batch-of-nagastra-1-delivered/slideshow/110999427.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}</ref>

In order to acquire and engage targets during [[Operation Sindoor]], the Indian Army employed Nagastra-1.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-07-28 |title=Watch: Indian Army simulates future warfare using AI and drones near China border |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/watch-indian-army-simulates-future-warfare-using-ai-and-drones-near-china-border/articleshow/122949671.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-07-28 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=Govt is committed to achieving Aatmanirbharta in ammunition manufacturing & make the country a global production hub: Raksha Mantri |date=2026-01-18 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2215884&reg=3&lang=1 |quote=He added that Nagastra drones, manufactured by the Solar Group, were successfully used during Operation Sindoor, as it accurately struck terrorist targets, thereby proving its strategic capability. |access-date=2026-01-19}}</ref>

== Operators ==
{{Flag|India}}
* {{Army|India}}: The initial batch of 120 units were delivered in June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-14 |title=Watch: Army Inducts Indigenous Nagastra-1 Precision "Kamikaze Drones" |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-army-inducts-indigenous-nagastra-1-precision-kamikaze-drones-5891971 |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref> Additional 480 units delivered in December 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-03 |title=Indian Army receives 480 loitering munitions from Solar Industries for precision strike capabilities |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indian-army-receives-480-loitering-munitions-from-solar-industries-for-precision-strike-capabilities20241203083214/ |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=ANI |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|India}}
* [[WB Electronics Warmate]]
* [[UVision Air#HERO product line|UVision Air Hero]]
* [[AeroVironment Switchblade]]
* [[Raytheon Coyote]]
* [[ZALA Lancet]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Aerial warfare]]
[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of India]]
[[Category:Loitering munitions]]
[[Category:Post–Cold War military equipment of India]]
[[Category:Weapon development]]
[[Category:Guided weapons]]
[[Category:Drone warfare]]
[[Category:One-way attack drones]]

Nagastra-1 - Revision history

Erlinda61E: Created new article - done