Sheshnaag-150 Swarm Drone Boosts India’s Unmanned Warfare Capability

India is advancing its unmanned warfare capabilities with the development of the Sheshnaag-150, a long-range swarming attack drone currently undergoing testing. Developed by Bengaluru-based defence startup Newspace Research Technologies, the drone represents India’s effort to build cost-effective and flexible unmanned systems similar to those increasingly used in modern conflicts. The system completed its maiden flight about a year ago and is being evaluated as part of India’s evolving strategy in drone warfare.

Growing Importance of Low-Cost Combat Drones

Modern conflicts have highlighted the strategic impact of relatively inexpensive drones. Platforms such as Iran’s Shahed-136 and the United States’ LUCAS unmanned aerial vehicle have demonstrated that low-cost drones can deliver significant battlefield effects by striking infrastructure, military vehicles and logistics networks. These systems allow armed forces to conduct precision strikes without deploying expensive fighter aircraft or missiles. India’s Sheshnaag-150 aims to replicate this cost-effective capability through indigenous technology and swarm-based operations.

Development After Operation Sindoor

The Sheshnaag programme reportedly gained momentum following Operation Sindoor, when the Indian military sought rapid deployment of drone systems in operational areas. The armed forces requested faster progress towards an indigenous long-range swarming strike capability. As a result, development efforts accelerated to refine the drone’s operational performance and integrate it into future unmanned combat strategies.

Capabilities of the Sheshnaag-150

The Sheshnaag-150 is designed to operate as part of a coordinated swarm of drones that can overwhelm enemy air defences. The platform has an operational range of more than 1,000 kilometres and can remain airborne for over five hours. This endurance allows it to conduct surveillance, loiter over targets and strike when required. Each drone can carry warheads weighing between 25 kg and 40 kg, enabling it to damage infrastructure or military assets. The system is also designed for a high degree of automation, allowing drones to identify, track and engage targets with limited human supervision.

Important Facts for Exams

• Swarm drone technology involves multiple unmanned aerial vehicles operating cooperatively using shared algorithms and communication networks.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are widely used for surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strike missions.
• India is increasingly focusing on indigenous defence technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Visual navigation systems can allow drones to operate without relying on satellite navigation signals.

Technology and Navigation Systems

A key element of the Sheshnaag system lies in its proprietary control software that coordinates multiple drones simultaneously. The core “mother code” architecture is designed to manage several related drone platforms built on the same system. Advanced algorithms allow drones to communicate, coordinate movements and adapt to changing battlefield conditions. Unlike some global systems that rely heavily on satellite navigation, the Sheshnaag-150 is expected to incorporate visual navigation technology in the future. This would allow the drone to operate even if satellite signals are jammed, a major challenge in high-intensity modern warfare.