Rudrastra is an indigenously developed hybrid VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drone designed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, a subsidiary of Solar Industries India. Successfully tested at Pokhran Firing Range on June 11-12, 2025, Rudrastra represents a significant advancement in India’s UAV capabilities. The drone combines vertical lift with fixed-wing endurance, allowing it to operate without a runway, making it ideal for deployment in remote and challenging terrains such as mountains and deserts. It features a flight endurance of 1.5 hours, a range of over 170 km, and real-time video transmission up to 50 km. Equipped with precision-guided air-burst warheads, it is capable of delivering high-precision strikes against both personnel and armoured targets. Rudrastra’s autonomous targeting and surveillance capabilities make it a valuable asset for tactical operations. The project also strengthens the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by reducing dependence on imported drone technology and promoting domestic defence production.
📌 Rudrastra Drone – Key Points
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Rudrastra is a state-of-the-art hybrid fixed-wing VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries. Successfully tested between 11-12 June 2025 at Pokhran Firing Range in Rajasthan, Rudrastra is a major milestone in India’s indigenous drone development. It offers a flight duration of up to 1.5 hours and a total operational range of over 170 km, with real-time video transmission capability of up to 50 km. The drone is equipped with a precision-guided air-burst warhead, making it highly effective in anti-personnel and anti-armour operations. Its VTOL capability eliminates the need for runways, allowing it to operate in remote or rugged terrains such as mountains, deserts and border areas. Key features include autonomous navigation, real-time surveillance and precision strike accuracy. Strategically, Rudrastra is ideal for border security, counter-terrorism missions and rapid deployment in difficult locations. The project contributes significantly to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, strengthening India’s position among countries with advanced combat drone technology.
