IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

NAGASTRA

17th June, 2024 Defence

NAGASTRA

Source: Firstpost

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

  • Indian army has acquired its first indigenous man-portable suicide drones i.e Nagastra
  • It is designed to precisely target enemy training camps, launch pads, and infiltrators, ensuring the safety of soldiers.

Details:

Nagastra:

  • Manufactured by
  • developed by Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries Nagpur, in collaboration with Bangalore’s Z-Motion
  • Performance and Capabilities
  • Design and Capability:
    • The Nagastra-1 is classified as a loitering munition drone, capable of hovering over targets.
    • It features a 'Kamikaze mode' for targeted destruction
    • It is ideal for enemy training camps, launch pads, and infiltrators.
  • Technical Details:
    • Weighing nine kilograms, the UAV operates with an electric propulsion system, minimizing acoustic signature.
    • It flies at altitudes up to 4,500 meters.
    • It has a maximum range of 30 kilometers in autonomous mode (15 kilometers when operated remotely).
    • Equipped with GPS, it achieves accuracy within two meters during operations.
  • Features and Functionality:
  • Warhead and Payload:
    • Capable of carrying a 1-kilogram warhead.
    • It utilizes a pre-fragmented high explosive for effective targeting.
    • It Includes day-and-night cameras for surveillance purposes.
  • Operational Capabilities:
    • Supports a hover time of 60 minutes over a target.
    • This facilitates extended surveillance and decision-making.
    • Designed with an abort, reuse, and recover mode, demonstrating versatility and sustainability in operations
  • Deployment and Strategic Utility:
  • Indigenous Content and Strategic Importance:
    • With over 75% indigenous content, the Nagastra-1 represents a significant achievement in India's defense manufacturing capabilities.
    • Designed specifically to mitigate risks to soldiers by targeting threats at India’s borders and beyond.

Sources: economictimes

PRACTICE QUESTION

What is the Nagastra-1 recently in the news for?

A) A new indigenous missile developed by DRDO
B) India's first indigenous man-portable suicide drones
C) A new submarine launched ballistic missile
D) New weapon locating RADAR

Answer: B.