Swarm drones and CCAs take flight in India
NRT’s precision strike and swarm-capable drone Sheshnag-150 in flight. (Image: NRT)
India’s efforts to secure its borders with China and Pakistan, alongside its push for self-reliance, have taken a significant step forward with the first successful flight of the Sheshnag-150, a 150kg long-range precision strike UAV developed by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT).
The Sheshnag-150, with an endurance of five hours and a payload capacity of 25–40kg, flew for two hours during its maiden flight. Named after the mythological serpent Sheshnag, the UAV reflects its multi-faceted capabilities. A private development by NRT, it is expected to address the Indian Armed Forces’ emerging swarm-based long-range requirements.
“It is expected to fill
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Saab’s flight-tested AI agents signal new era of crewed-uncrewed fighter systems
Saab is developing artificial intelligence (AI) agents for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, targeting potential operational deployment within months, while expanding its training capabilities, partnerships and ambitions for wider military applications.
-
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
-
US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable
The US Navy plans to preserve Super Hornet and Growler tooling as production winds down, with restart costs unassessed and final F/A-18 deliveries expected in late 2027.
-
Connecting the layers: how networks can secure the future of European air defence
The rise of drones has reshaped the threat landscape for all European militaries. For industry, future defensive strategies must carefully balance a mix of passive and active measures to address the evolving danger, based around a highly integrated and responsive network of sensors and effectors.
-
October drone digest: France and Lithuania advance loitering munition procurements as global spending surges
Recent procurement developments in France and Lithuania highlight the growing demand for loitering munitions, with global annual spending forecast to increase nearly 50-fold between 2020 and 2029.