In a significant move that bolsters India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, Solar Industries has unveiled a state-of-the-art drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing facility in Nagpur. This facility, developed by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking a key milestone in India’s journey toward achieving self-reliance in defence technology.
The newly inaugurated facility is poised to strengthen India’s indigenous production of drones, UAVs, loiter munitions, and counter-drone systems, filling a crucial gap in the country’s defence infrastructure. While many Indian companies and startups have made significant strides in utilizing drones for surveillance and logistics applications, the production of combat-ready UAVs and weaponized drone technologies requires advanced expertise and infrastructure. Solar Industries aims to bridge this gap by focusing on the development of systems that are designed for military use, including drone-based mine detection and disposal systems, loiter munitions, and solutions for countering enemy drones.
A key highlight of the new facility is the development of Nagastra-1, India’s first indigenous loiter munition, which has already been inducted into the infantry of the Indian Army. Nagastra-1 is a GPS-enabled precision strike system capable of neutralizing threats with an impressive accuracy of up to two meters. The system’s design also allows for mission recovery; if a target is not located or if the mission is aborted, the loiter munition can return using a parachute recovery system, making it reusable. Under an emergency procurement contract, EEL has already delivered 480 units of Nagastra-1, underlining the system’s effectiveness and operational value.
The success of Nagastra-1 has paved the way for further advancements in loiter munition technology, with Solar Industries now working on the next-generation variants—Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3. These advanced systems, currently under development as part of the ‘Make 2’ initiative, are expected to offer enhanced performance, greater warhead carrying capacity, and an even higher level of precision in strike capabilities, further augmenting India’s defence capabilities.
In addition to loiter munitions, the Nagpur facility marks Solar Industries’ foray into the development of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs, which are expected to have both surveillance and attack capabilities. These UAVs align with the increasing global recognition of drones as a critical force multiplier in modern warfare. Drones have proven their value in several recent conflicts, including the Armenia-Azerbaijan war, strikes in Syria, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza conflicts, underscoring their importance on the global stage.
The growing significance of drone technology in India has been further highlighted by recent incidents along the northern borders, underscoring the need for robust indigenous drone capabilities. In light of this, Solar Industries’ new facility is an important step in advancing India’s technological prowess in this vital area.
During the inauguration, Solar Industries Chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal outlined his vision of transforming Nagpur into a hub for the development and manufacturing of advanced weaponized drones and related technologies. His statement emphasizes Solar Industries’ commitment to innovation and the pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aligning with India’s broader goal of atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the defence sector.
This launch not only underscores India’s growing competence in emerging military technologies but also reinforces the country’s position in the global defence ecosystem. With the new facility, Nagpur is set to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, further contributing to the nation’s strategic independence and bolstering its defence preparedness. Through initiatives like these, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global defence technology arena.
