Rudrastra UAV Clears Key Army Trial at Pokhran with Precision Strike, 170 km Range
According to an ANI report on Thursday, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) successfully finished a critical test of its domestically built Hybrid Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV, Rudrastra, at the Pokharan Firing Range on June 11, 2025.
The trial is a major step forward for India’s ongoing Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to create an independent defense ecosystem. The next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle Rudrastra was created by SDAL and is intended for a variety of defense uses.
Rudrastra, which was designed with mission versatility in mind, incorporates cutting-edge features like vertical takeoff and landing, enabling the UAV to function in confined spaces without the use of conventional runways. The platform is appropriate for both tactical and reconnaissance operations due to its precision strike capability, real-time surveillance, and extended flight range.
Rudrastra successfully finished a mission during the most recent trial while keeping a steady video connection the entire time. The UAV returned to its launch location on its own after traveling more than 50 kilometers during its mission. The drone’s overall range, including loitering time over the target, was more than 170 kilometers. It was estimated to have had 1.5 hours of endurance during the test.
In addition to confirming Rudrastra’s operational preparedness, this successful test demonstrates India’s advancement in creating cutting-edge domestic UAV systems for military applications. In terms of strengthening India’s strategic capabilities and lowering dependency on foreign drone technologies, officials view this as a significant advancement.
As the UAV gets closer to induction, more tests are anticipated in the upcoming months.
