Veda Aeronautics Begins Delivery of Jet-Powered Loitering Munitions To IAF, Working On Canister Launched Version For The Army
Veda Aeronautics, a Delhi-based defence start-up, has begun delivering its Sureshastra MK-1 jet-powered loitering munitions to the Indian Air Force (IAF) under a ₹3 billion (USD 35.1 million) contract awarded in August 2023. The IAF is set to receive 200 units, marking a significant step in India’s indigenous development of advanced unmanned systems.
Operational Capabilities
Warhead and Payload: Sureshastra MK-1 can carry explosive warheads and
various sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
missions.
Swarm Functionality: The system is designed for swarm deployment,
enabling multiple drones to coordinate autonomously, share data, and execute
complex attacks to overwhelm enemy defences.
Navigation: It can operate in GPS-denied environments, enhancing its
survivability and effectiveness in contested scenarios.
Mission Flexibility: The platform can be adapted for roles ranging
from decoy operations to precision kamikaze attacks, and is capable of both
ISR and strike missions.
Inspiration And Context: The Sureshastra MK-1 draws inspiration from
Russia’s Geran-2, but is tailored to meet stringent IAF requirements,
particularly for long-range, high-speed, and expendable strike capabilities.
Indigenous Innovation: This is India’s first jet-powered,
swarm-capable loitering munition developed by a private company, reflecting
rapid progress in the country’s defence technology sector.
Force Multiplier: The Sureshastra MK-1 addresses the need for
low-cost, expendable systems capable of deep strikes without risking manned
aircraft, especially relevant in the context of modern conflicts and border
tensions.
Versatility: Future variants may include vehicle- and ship-launched
versions, broadening operational flexibility for the Indian Army and Navy.
Veda Aeronautics worked closely with the IAF to refine the Sureshastra MK-1
based on operational feedback and stringent requirements.
The company has also participated in the IAF’s Mehar Baba Swarm Drone
Competition, highlighting its role in advancing indigenous swarm drone
technology.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 3.5 meters |
| Wingspan | 3 meters |
| Weight | 90 kg (fully loaded) |
| Range | >150 km |
| Propulsion | Jet-powered |
| Launch Method | Catapult-launched |
| Configuration | Fixed-wing, V-tail platform |
Canister Launched Kamikaze Munition
Meanwhile, Veda Aeronautics, a rapidly growing player in India’s indigenous
defence technology sector, is currently developing a canister-launched
loitering munition specifically tailored for integration with the Indian
Army’s BMP infantry fighting vehicle platform.
This initiative was undertaken in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP)
issued by the Army, and the project has already entered the prototyping phase,
marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to deliver advanced
battlefield solutions rooted in domestic R&D.
The canister-launched loitering munition is designed to be deployed from the
BMP platform, providing the Army with a flexible, mobile precision-strike
capability.
Loitering munitions, often referred to as “Kamikaze Drones,” are unmanned
aerial systems capable of hovering or “loitering” over a target area before
engaging and destroying high-value targets, such as enemy vehicles or
fortified positions. These were effectively used by the Indian Army with
devastating results against Pakistani targets during operation Sindoor.
The cannisterised launch mechanism allows for rapid deployment and integration
onto existing armoured platforms, enhancing the operational versatility and
lethality of mechanized infantry units.
Veda’s approach to this project is characterized by a strong emphasis on
indigenous innovation and adaptation to modern battlefield requirements.
Drawing lessons from recent conflicts where loitering munitions have played a
decisive role, Veda is leveraging its expertise in unmanned systems to develop
a solution that meets the Indian Army’s specific operational needs.
The company’s prototyping efforts are supported by a robust R&D division
and a technical team focused on ensuring that their systems are on par with,
or ahead of, global standards.
This loitering munition project is part of a broader portfolio of advanced
defence technologies being developed by Veda Aeronautics. Alongside the
canister-launched munition, the company is working on hard-kill anti-drone
solutions, first-person view (FPV) drones inspired by recent battlefield
experiences, and underwater decoys for the Navy.
Veda’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative is evident in its focus on
indigenous design, development, and manufacturing, aiming to reduce reliance
on foreign technology and bolster India’s self-reliance in defence.
The company’s leadership acknowledges that while prototyping represents a
significant achievement, transitioning to serial production and large-scale
induction remains a challenge for most Indian start-ups in the defence sector.
Nevertheless, Veda Aeronautics’ progress with the canister-launched loitering
munition for the BMP platform underscores its role as a key innovator in
India’s evolving defence ecosystem, poised to deliver next-generation
solutions for the country’s armed forces.
IDN (With Inputs By Janes)
