Demo of indigenous loitering munition successful, ‘high altitude’ trials in December

The first indigenously developed loitering munitions - short-range drones that can take down targets with a 'suicide attack'- have been successfully demonstrated. A range of tests of the munitions were carried out in Nagpur on Monday in the presence of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Bipin Rawat.

The loitering munitions-variants of which can engage targets at a range of 15, 25 and 100 km-will be up to 40% cheaper than those from global competitors, according to the manufacturer, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to curb import of arms. Foreign manufacturers had sold a small inventory of the systems to the Indian armed forces as part of an emergency procurement plan.

Developed by Nagpur-based Solar Group, the loitering munitions will now undergo high-altitude trials next month. Sources said Gen. Rawat has given a go ahead for speedy facilitation of the trials, given their urgent requirement by the army.


Manufacturer EEL has specifically told the defence ministry that its munitions-named LM0, LM1 and LM2-will be at least 40% cheaper than those offered by Israel and Poland.