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Time of India

Trial of indigenous Rudrastra UAV held successfully at Pokhran

1 2 Jaisalmer: Army and Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SADL) successfully completed the trial of indigenously developed Hybrid VTOL UAV, Rudrastra, at Pokhran Firing Range in Jaisalmer Wednesday. Designed to meet the Army's requirements, the Rudrastra demonstrated key capabilities, including vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), long endurance, precision targeting, and operational flexibility. A major highlight was the successful deployment of a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead. Dropped from medium altitude, the munition achieved a low-height airburst detonation, covering a wide radius and meeting tactical effectiveness benchmarks. With a mission radius exceeding 50 km and a total operational range of over 170 km, the UAV maintained a stable real-time video link and safely returned to its launch point. It demonstrated an estimated endurance of 1.5 hours, reinforcing its reliability in operational conditions. The drone's development supports broader goals like the DRDO's Rustom programme. Taxi trials for indigenous engines in the 180–220 horsepower range were completed earlier in Feb 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo Experts said Rudrastra will enhance border security and strengthen India's defence posture. The involvement of private players, including firms like VTOL Aviation India, signals a growing trend of private sector participation in high-tech defence manufacturing. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .