PM Modi Witnesses Display of Advanced Indigenous Defence Systems at Solar Defence
Nagpur, India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated a Loitering Munition Test Range and a 1.27 km airstrip for testing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) at Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) in Bazargaon, near Amravati Road.
PM Modi also visited the product gallery of SDAL, where he was briefed on various indigenously developed defence systems. The display included Pinaka rocket systems, air bombs, mines, grenades, military explosives, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and ‘Nagastra’ 1 and 2 loiter munitions.
The newly opened Loitering Munition Test Range spans 1,080 acres and includes a command and control centre, UAV take-off zone, endurance and communication range testing, parachute recovery area, and a warhead lethality testing facility. It also supports the testing of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) and high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs.
Proposal for Indian Air Force
Solar Defence has developed a MALE UAV and submitted a proposal to the Indian Air Force, which is under consideration.
Showcasing Advanced Indigenous Technologies
During the event, PM Modi witnessed the demonstration of several advanced defence systems, including ‘Bhargavastra,’ a micro-missile-based counter-drone system, and ‘Bhaumastra,’ a mine detection and disposal system.
Presence of Key Dignitaries
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Solar Group Chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal, Managing Director and CEO Manish Nuwal, and other senior officials were present at the event.
Promoting Self-Reliance in Defence
Following the inauguration, PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “This initiative will enhance India’s self-reliance in the defence sector.”
PM Modi was given a warm send-off by three generations of the Solar Group’s management team, including Satyanarayan Nuwal, Manish Nuwal, and Raghav Nuwal.
