Nagastra-2: Indian Army Gets Indigenous Anti-Tank 'Kamikaze' Drones
Solar Defence delivers Nagastra-2 loiter munitions to the Indian Army, featuring advanced ECCM and high armor penetration capabilities.
In a major boost to India's indigenous defense capabilities, Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd., based in Nagpur, is delivering the Nagastra-2 anti-tank loiter munitions to the Indian Army. This advanced system is designed to provide the military with precision-strike capabilities against armored threats, blending the characteristics of a drone and a missile.
Lethal Precision: Breaking Through Armor
The Nagastra-2 is engineered for high-impact destruction. It is equipped with a 4 kg tandem shaped-charge warhead, specifically designed to penetrate targets protected by up to 650 mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA). To ensure the target is acquired accurately, the system features sophisticated surveillance cameras capable of operating during both day and night.
Range and Endurance
One of the standout features of the Nagastra-2 is its operational flexibility, offering two distinct modes of engagement:
- Recover and Reuse Mode: Provides an operational range of 25 km.
- Fire-and-Forget Mode: Extends the operational range to 50 km.
With an endurance of up to 60 minutes, these munitions can loiter over a target area, allowing operators to identify and engage armored targets with extreme precision.
Defeating Electronic Warfare
Modern battlefields are often plagued by electronic interference. To counter this, the Nagastra-2 is equipped with Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM). This technology ensures the system remains resilient in electronically contested environments, protecting it from common threats such as:
- Communication jamming
- GPS jamming
- Spoofing attempts
Proven Performance and Trials
The system's effectiveness was validated during Technical Trials conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR) in August 2026. During these trials, users witnessed the system meeting all operational and ECCM compliance parameters, proving its readiness for active deployment.
The Legacy of Nagastra-1R
The delivery of the Nagastra-2 follows the success of its predecessor. In 2025, the Indian Army ordered approximately 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions from Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL). The Nagastra-1R is noted for being a cost-effective solution with fully reusable launcher systems.
The Nagastra-1R features a 360-degree gimbal camera with optional thermal imaging for nighttime missions. It utilizes proprietary encryption for telemetry and video communication, boasting a high-precision targeting system with a 2-meter Circular Error Probable (CEP). With over 80% indigenous content, the Nagastra-1R has undergone rigorous testing in diverse terrains, including Babina near Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh and the high-altitude regions of Ladakh.