Loiter Munition Nagastra-1 Live Demonstration at Infantry Commanders’ Conference

Today, a Weapons and Ammunition display took place at the Infantry School in Mhow, featuring the live demonstration of Nagastra-1, a loiter munition developed by EEL, a 100% subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd., Nagpur.

The Indian Army has officially ordered Nagastra-1, capable of carrying a 1 kg warhead with a range of 15 km. The munition, already in production at EEL under an Indian Army contract, possesses unique abort, recovery, and reuse features. An upgraded version has been developed, operating in Fire & Forget mode, with the capability to carry a 2.2 kg warhead up to a range of 30 km, while the current version in production maintains a 1 kg warhead with a range of 15 km.

During the display, the newly developed Loiter Munition was launched from a pneumatic launcher, following a predefined trajectory before transitioning into a kamikaze mode to successfully destroy the target. Nagastra-1 (Fire & Forget) exhibited an impressive accuracy of 2 meters in hitting the target during this live demonstration, witnessed by the Chief of Army Staff and other senior officers from the armed forces, according to informed sources.

Nagastra-1 stands as India inaugural indigenous loitering munition, designed and developed by Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL) in collaboration with Z-Motion, Bangalore, as per the order placed by the Indian Army.

Key Specifications of Nagastra-1:

• Range: 15 km in man-in-the-loop mode and 30 km in autonomous mode
  
• Payload: 1.5 kg explosive warhead
  
• Accuracy: Less than 2 meters
  
• Loiter time: 60 minutes
• Maximum Altitude: 4,500 meters
• Ease of assembly: Easily assembled and launched from the ground

The Nagastra LM is well-suited for a wide range of operational scenarios, including:

Operational Applications:

• Precision Strike Capability: The Nagastra LM high accuracy and ability to loiter over a target area make it ideal for precision strike operations against high-value targets.
• Real-time Target Tracking: The LM advanced sensors and communication systems enable real-time target tracking and engagement.
• Abort, Recover, and Reuse Capability: The Nagastra LM is unique in its ability to abort the mission, recover the munition, and reuse it for future operations. This feature sets it apart from other LM systems, which typically operate in a "kamikaze" mode.
• Silent Operation: The LM electric propulsion system enables silent operation, making it difficult to detect by enemy forces.
• Made in India: The Nagastra LM is a testament to India growing capabilities in developing advanced defense technologies.

Key Features:

• Counter-terrorism operations: The LM ability to precisely engage targets in urban environments makes it a valuable asset in counter-terrorism operations.
• Border security: The LM can be deployed along borders to detect and intercept infiltrators and other illegal activities.
• Anti-tank operations: The LM high-explosive warhead can effectively penetrate and destroy armored vehicles.
• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions: The LM can be equipped with ISR sensors to gather valuable intelligence on enemy positions and activities.

A loitering munition, distinguished by its built-in munition (warhead), can linger around a target area until a target is identified, subsequently attacking by crashing into it. These munitions offer longer loitering durations compared to cruise missiles and exhibit more flexible flight characteristics.