In News:

India's Rudrastra, a homegrown VTOL drone, has been successfully tested by the Indian Army, marking a significant advancement in battlefield technology. Developed by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited, this drone can perform precision strikes across borders without endangering soldiers.

Overview:

• Rudrastra is a hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) combat drone developed indigenously by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SDAL).
• Successfully tested by the Indian Army in June 2025.

Key Features:

• Hybrid VTOL Capability:
  • Takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a fixed-wing aircraft.
  • Increases versatility, maneuverability, and stealth.
• Combat Role:
  • Equipped with smart anti-personnel warheads.
  • Capable of deep-strike missions against targets like artillery guns or terrorist hideouts.
  • Deployed as a “stand-off weapon”—engages targets from a safe distance.
• Performance Parameters:
  • Range: Full range of 170 km.
  • Strike Capability: Targets more than 50 km away.
  • Flight Endurance: Nearly 90 minutes.
  • Navigation: Autonomous return capability.
  • Surveillance: Real-time video feed for reconnaissance.
  • Payload: Capable of deploying airburst munitions—detonates low to the ground to cause area damage.

Strategic Importance:

• Reduces risk to soldiers in hostile territory.
• Enhances India's unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) arsenal.

Useful in anti-terror operations, border surveillance, and precision strikes.