SDAL completes testing of in-house Hybrid UAV Rudrastra in Pokhran

Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has recently conducted successful trials of its indigenously developed Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra and previously unveiled a low-cost Counter Drone System named ‘Bhargavastra.’

Rudrastra UAV Completes Crucial Test at Pokharan:

On June 11, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) successfully completed a critical test of its in-house Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at the Pokharan Firing Range. The trial adhered to the Indian Army’s stringent performance standards, showcasing the UAV’s capabilities in:

• Mission Flexibility: Adaptability to various operational scenarios.
• Precision Targeting: Accurate engagement of designated targets.
• High Endurance: Sustained operational flight time.
• Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL): Ability to take off and land vertically without a runway.

During the experiment, Rudrastra covered a mission radius exceeding 50 km, maintaining a consistent video link throughout before returning to its launch point. With a projected endurance of 1.5 hours, its total range, including hovering over the target area, surpassed 170 kilometers. The successful demonstration underscored Rudrastra’s mission-neutral design, offering long flight range, real-time observation, and precise target engagement.

Bhargavastra: A New Low-Cost Counter Drone System:

• In May 2025, SDAL developed and unveiled ‘Bhargavastra,’ a revolutionary low-cost Counter Drone System operating in Hard Kill Mode.
• This system represents a significant advancement in combating the increasing threat of drone swarms. ‘Bhargavastra’ boasts sophisticated capabilities to identify and neutralize small, approaching drones up to 2.5 km away.
• Its primary defense mechanism involves the use of unguided micro rockets, capable of destroying a swarm of drones within a 20-meter lethal radius