City-based Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd (SDAL) has added yet another feature to its cap as it has entered into a collaborative agreement with CSIR-National Aeronautical Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) for the design and development of a 150 kg-class Loitering Munition UAV (LM-UAV). The next-generation LM-UAV, to be powered by NAL-developed Wankel engine, has cleared the CEMILAC certification for aircraft integration and flight testing. The exchange of agreement between the two parties took place at an event organised at CSIR-NAL Bengaluru in presence of Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh; Chairman of Solar Industries India Satyanarayan Nuwal; and others.

 

On the occasion Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the new initiative and unique approach, adopted by CSIR for the first time, of involving an industry partner in a project of strategic importance from the very beginning, including design and development. Through this partnership, SDAL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd, aims to deliver a world-class product featuring a very high level of indigenous content, including advanced payloads designed to meet evolving operational requirements. SDAL was chosen as an industry partner by CSIR through competitive bidding. The selection process was through a Combined Technical cum Commercial Bidding System (CTCCBS) in which out of the five participating firms, SDAL emerged the forerunner with the highest score. Some defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and multinational corporations (MNCs) were among the firms which took part in the bidding. Powered by NAL developed Wankel engine, the LM-UAV will offer a comprehensive range of 900 kms and endurance of 6 to 9 hours with service ceiling of 5 kms. Engineered for survivability and precision, the UAV features a very low Radar Cross Contd from page 1 Section (RCS), significantly enhancing its stealth characteristics. It is also designed to operate effectively in GPS-denied environments, ensuring mission reliability even under contested conditions. The platform will be equipped with an AI-enabled EO-IR payload, offering exceptional DRI — Detection, Recognition, and Identification capabilities for real-time intelligence and situational awareness.

 

 

This strategic initiative underscores SDAL’s commitment to support technological innovation, Atmanirbharta, and delivering cutting-edge systems to support critical mission needs. Loitering munitions (LM) are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed specifically for conducting suicide missions, where the objective is to locate, verify, and strike targets directly with precision. SDAL has recently completed successful trials of the Rudrastra VTOL drone, and won new contracts from the Ministry of Defence for items like loitering munitions and other defence products. A subsidiary of Solar Industries, has also developed advanced explosive materials like the indigenous SEBEX 2.0 explosives for the Indian Navy. The company is expanding its presence with a 223-acre plot of land allotted in the MIHAN SEZ for a new defense and aerospace facility, marking a significant investment in Nagpur's industrial future. Solar Industries has also received an order for 450 units of its Nagastra-1R, a loiter munition system, from the Indian Army.