image sourced from original article at Pune-based defence technology firm Nibe Limited has successfully completed the first technical trials and a no-cost, no-commitment demonstration of its indigenous loitering munition system, Vayu Astra-1, at the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan. Conducted in the presence of senior army officials and scientists, the trials were held in response to an Indian Army proposal seeking a loitering munition system with a range of 100 kilometres. The system destroyed a target at that distance in a single attempt using a 10-kilogram warhead.
The munition achieved accuracy of less than one metre and demonstrated key features such as abort and re-attack capability, intelligent target engagement, and long-range operational control transfer between ground stations nearly 70 kilometres apart. It also completed a successful anti-armour night strike using an infrared camera-guided system with high precision.
Defence experts say the successful trials mark a significant step in strengthening India's precision-strike capabilities and boosting indigenous defence manufacturing. The achievement follows recent progress in other domestically developed weapon systems, highlighting the growing role of private companies in advancing the country's military technology.
