Indian Army Receives Nagastra-2 Loitering Munitions

Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd. (SDAL), based in Nagpur, is delivering its indigenous Nagastra-2 anti-tank loitering munition system to the Indian Army as of 23 October 2026. The system has day-and-night surveillance cameras, a 4 kg tandem shaped-charge warhead and an endurance of up to 60 minutes.

Loitering Munitions and Nagastra-2

A loitering munition can remain airborne while searching for a target before being directed to attack it. Nagastra-2 has a stated operational range of 25 km in recover-and-reuse mode and 50 km in fire-and-forget mode. In recover-and-reuse mode, the munition can be recovered for another use; fire-and-forget mode refers to operation without continued operator guidance after launch. The system’s tandem shaped-charge warhead is designed to penetrate targets protected by up to 650 mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA). RHA is a standard reference material used to describe armour protection. The system also has Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) capability, which is designed to maintain operational effectiveness against electronic-warfare measures such as communication and GPS jamming.

Trials and Technical Features

Nagastra-2 completed technical trials at the Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR) in August 2026. The trials covered operational parameters and ECCM compliance. Its surveillance cameras support day-and-night observation, while its stated endurance is up to 60 minutes. ECCM refers to measures intended to protect a system’s electronic functions from an adversary’s electronic countermeasures. GPS jamming interferes with satellite-navigation signals, while communication jamming disrupts radio links. Nagastra-2’s stated range varies by operating mode.

Related Procurement

On 13–14 October 2026, SDAL completed delivery of 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions to the Indian Army. The delivery fulfilled an emergency procurement contract worth ₹158 crore, placed in June 2025. Nagastra-1R and Nagastra-2 are distinct loitering munition systems developed by the same company.

Important Facts for Exams

• Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd. is based in Nagpur.
• Nagastra-2 has a 4 kg tandem shaped-charge warhead and a maximum stated endurance of 60 minutes.
• Its stated range is 25 km in recover-and-reuse mode and 50 km in fire-and-forget mode.
• Mahajan Field Firing Range is the site where Nagastra-2 completed technical trials in August 2026.

The Nagastra-2 system is intended for anti-tank use and includes ECCM capability. SDAL completed delivery of 450 Nagastra-1R munitions under a ₹158-crore contract in October 2026.