The Nagastra-1, built by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a unit of Solar Industries India Ltd, is a clever piece of technology
India recently took a bold step toward strengthening its defence by launching a new drone testing facility in Nagpur, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Run by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, this site showcases the Nagastra-1—a homegrown suicide drone that’s boosting the Indian Army’s power while outsmarting rivals like China and Pakistan.
The Nagastra-1, built by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a unit of Solar Industries India Ltd, is a clever piece of technology. This drone can loiter over a target area and adjust its attack mid-flight—or even cancel it—thanks to its smart, selective targeting system. In its “kamikaze mode,” it dives into threats with GPS-guided precision, hitting within just 2 meters of the mark. Weighing around 9 kg, this electric-powered, fixed-wing drone can stay in the air for 30 minutes. It has a 15 km range when controlled by a person (man-in-loop) and doubles that to 30 km in autonomous mode. It can carry a 1 kg warhead up to 15 km, while an upgraded version handles a 2.2 kg warhead over 30 km. Plus, if it doesn’t need to strike, a parachute lets it land safely for reuse—a feature that saves money and adds flexibility.
The Indian Army is already putting the Nagastra-1 to work, ordering 480 units with 120 delivered so far. It’s been a game-changer, hitting enemy camps near borders and keeping soldiers safe while proving India’s growing strength.
This drone is part of a larger effort to make India self-reliant. The Nagpur testing range ties into a Rs 12,700 crore defence project launched with the Maharashtra government, which will produce more drones, anti-drone tech, explosives, and advanced weapons. The state is speeding up approvals and offering support, showing how teamwork between companies and the government is paying off. EEL is also upgrading the army’s PINAKA rocket system with Rs 10,147 crore in contracts, adding special ammo to make it even deadlier.
So, how does the Nagastra-1 stack up against China and Pakistan? Pakistan’s drones, like the Burraq, lean on foreign parts, often from China, and lack the Nagastra-1’s mid-flight flexibility. The Burraq can’t change or abort an attack once launched, and its range and precision don’t match India’s 2-meter accuracy or 30 km autonomous reach. It also doesn’t come back for reuse. China’s CH-4 drones are tougher competition, with longer flight times and heavier payloads, but they’re pricier and less adaptable. The CH-4 can’t tweak its attack mid-flight or abort it like the Nagastra-1, and its GPS strikes, while accurate, don’t boast the same 2-meter precision. Plus, China’s drones don’t have a reusable parachute option, making them a one-shot deal compared to India’s cost-effective design.
What’s more, the Nagastra-1’s ability to carry a 1 kg warhead to 15 km—or 2.2 kg to 30 km in its upgraded form—gives it an edge in flexibility that Pakistan and China can’t match. Pakistan’s reliance on imports limits its innovation, while China’s focus on bulk and power overlooks the Nagastra-1’s smart, selective approach tailored for modern fights.
Beyond the battlefield, the Nagastra-1 brings extra value. It’s a proud example of Indian talent, creating jobs and showing the world that India can build cutting-edge tech from scratch. As PM Modi noted during his visit, this drone isn’t just about defence—it’s about India standing tall and protecting itself. With the Nagastra-1, India isn’t just keeping up with China and Pakistan—it’s zooming ahead, ready to lead in drone warfare.
——E.O.M
(The author Girish Linganna of this article is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
