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Devendra Fadnavis inaugurates advanced drone manufacturing facility in Nagpur
Industry News- Jan 13,25
Building on the success of Nagastra-1, the facility is advancing the development of Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3 under the ‘Make 2’ initiative.
In a landmark development for India's defence manufacturing sector, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing facility in Nagpur. The facility, established by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, marks a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s self-reliance in defence technology.
The Nagpur facility is set to bolster the indigenous production of drones, UAVs, loiter munitions, and counter-drone systems. While Indian companies and start-ups have made progress in developing drones for surveillance and logistics, the facility bridges a critical gap by focusing on combat-ready UAVs and weaponised drone systems requiring advanced expertise and infrastructure.
A key feature of the facility is its development of Nagastra-1, India’s first indigenous loiter munition, which has been inducted into the Indian Army's infantry. Under an emergency procurement contract, EEL has already delivered 480 units of Nagastra-1. This GPS-enabled precision strike system can neutralise targets with an accuracy of up to two meters and features a unique parachute recovery system for mission reuse.
Building on the success of Nagastra-1, the facility is advancing the development of Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3 under the ‘Make 2’ initiative. These next-generation systems promise superior performance and enhanced warhead-carrying capabilities. The facility is also venturing into the production of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs with both surveillance and attack functionalities.
Solar Industries’ initiative aligns with the global emphasis on drone technology as a critical force multiplier in modern warfare, demonstrated by its deployment in conflicts such as Armenia-Azerbaijan, Syria, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza wars. India’s recent border incidents have further underscored the need for robust indigenous drone capabilities.
Speaking at the inauguration, Solar Industries Chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal expressed his vision of transforming Nagpur into a hub for advanced weaponised drone manufacturing. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and indigenous production, reinforcing India’s push towards atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.
The launch of this cutting-edge facility not only highlights India’s growing competence in military technology but also positions Nagpur as a pivotal player in advancing the country’s defence manufacturing landscape.
(India Today)
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