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Indian Army Successfully Tests Indigenous VTOL UAV 'Rudrastra'

  • 17 Jun 2025

On 11th June 2025, the Indian Army conducted successful trials of the indigenous hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV named Rudrastra, developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), at the Pokharan Firing Range.

Key Points

  • Operation Sindoor Aftermath: Following drone attacks during the recent conflict with Pakistan, India is ramping up UAV procurement to bolster aerial defences.
  • Indigenous Innovation: Rudrastra is an indigenous hybrid VTOL UAV designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision target engagement in rugged terrains.
  • Trial Highlights: The UAV maintained a stable real-time video link over a mission radius of 50+ km, achieving a total range of 170 km and endurance of 1.5 hours.
  • VTOL Advantage: Can take off and land vertically without runways, offering flexibility in deployment.
  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat Push: The indigenous development underscores India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence technology.
  • Next Steps: Post-trials, Rudrastra will move toward formal induction into Army operations.