In a display of cutting-edge military precision, India’s indigenous Nagastra-1 loitering munitions executed flawless strikes on terrorist hideouts during Operation Sindoor. This high-stakes counter-terrorism mission unfolded in the rugged terrains bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where intelligence pinpointed multiple terror launch pads.
Launched from forward bases, the man-portable drones, developed by Solar Industries in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRONAQ), demonstrated unparalleled accuracy. Weighing just 9 kilograms, these suicide drones can loiter over targets for up to 60 minutes, scanning for high-value assets before diving in with a 1-kilogram warhead packed with RDX explosives.
Eyewitness accounts from the Line of Control describe the silent predators hovering undetected, their electro-optical cameras relaying real-time feeds to operators. When the moment struck, the drones plummeted at speeds exceeding 160 km/h, obliterating bunkers and eliminating over two dozen terrorists in a series of coordinated hits.
Operation Sindoor marks a pivotal shift in India’s drone warfare doctrine. Unlike conventional artillery, Nagastra’s kamikaze capability minimizes collateral damage while maximizing impact on fortified positions. Military experts hail it as a game-changer, underscoring India’s self-reliance in unmanned aerial systems amid rising cross-border threats.
The success has bolstered troop morale along the western frontier. As one senior officer noted, ‘These drones have eyes in the sky and fire in their belly, turning the tables on infiltrators.’ With production ramping up, Nagastra promises to redefine border security, deterring future aggressions and safeguarding national integrity.