The SVAYATT-L1 represents a significant advancement in India's indigenous defence capabilities, developed by Hyderabad-based Paninian India Pvt Ltd, a defence technology start-up founded by Raghu Adla. Unveiled at Aero India 2025, this cutting-edge Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) is designed for precision strikes against high-value targets in heavily defended environments, showcasing India's growing expertise in indigenous missile systems.

The name "SVAYATT" derives from Sanskrit, meaning "Autonomous," reflecting the missile's advanced autonomous capabilities powered by Paninian's proprietary Autonomous Mission Planning Software called KalmanIntel. Alongside the missile development, Paninian has also made remarkable progress in creating a family of micro jet engines called the Yantur series, which represents a breakthrough in India's aerospace propulsion technology.

Paninian India Pvt Ltd was founded by Raghu Adla, a visionary entrepreneur with extensive experience in artificial intelligence and aerospace engineering.

Paninian blends cutting-edge technologies in simulation, artificial intelligence, 3D modelling, geospatial intelligence, and model-based systems engineering to create digital twin platforms for next-generation aerospace products and services for defence applications.

SVAYATT-L1: Technical Specifications And Capabilities: Design Philosophy And Stealth Features

The SVAYATT-L1 is engineered with a focus on stealth, survivability, and deep-strike capability. It features a low-observable airframe and terrain-hugging flight profile that minimize its radar cross-section, allowing it to penetrate sophisticated enemy air defences with minimal detection. The missile's stealth characteristics are achieved through careful shaping and advanced materials that reduce radar, infrared, and other electromagnetic signatures. This approach is similar to that used in modern stealth aircraft but adapted for a cruise missile platform.

Propulsion System

The SVAYATT-L1 employs a dual-stage propulsion system consisting of a solid rocket booster (SRB) for the initial boost phase, followed by a turbofan engine for the cruise phase. This configuration enables extended range and sustained flight efficiency. The turbofan engine is part of Paninian's indigenous Yantur family of aero-engines, which the company has been developing in thrust classes ranging from 3kN to 12kN. The propulsion system allows the missile to maintain a subsonic cruise speed, prioritizing stealth and efficiency over the higher speeds achieved by supersonic missiles like BrahMos.

Navigation And Guidance Systems

One of the most advanced features of the SVAYATT-L1 is its sophisticated navigation and guidance system. The missile is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems that support autonomous operation, mid-course corrections, and high-precision terminal targeting. These systems ensure reliability even in GPS-denied or electronically contested environments, allowing the missile to perform various manoeuvres while flying at different altitudes and speeds. The guidance system incorporates AI-driven mission planning that leverages real-time intelligence and predictive analytics for optimized route planning and threat assessment.

Range And Payload Capabilities

While specific range figures for the SVAYATT-L1 have not been officially disclosed in available sources, it is designed as a long-range land attack cruise missile comparable to other systems in this category. Modern subsonic cruise missiles typically have ranges between 300-1,500 kilometres, with India's recently tested DRDO LRLACM having a range of 1,000 kilometres. The SVAYATT-L1 is optimized for deep-strike missions, capable of targeting high-value assets such as command centres, infrastructure, and military installations with exceptional accuracy. The missile can carry various payloads, with modern cruise missiles of similar class typically carrying warheads in the 200-450 kg range.

Yantur Family of Micro Jet Engines

Parallel to the SVAYATT-L1 missile, Paninian has achieved a breakthrough in the design and development of the Yantur family of aero-engines. The company has successfully demonstrated the design and validation of a 4.5 KN Turbojet Engine, which is being further developed into a family of engines in the range of 3-12 KN thrust. This represents the first time an Indian private sector company has developed such engines from scratch rather than through reverse engineering. The development includes AI-augmented digital twin companions for performance modelling and prognostics.

Technical Features And Applications

The Yantur engine family is built on a modular architecture with a common-core design, enabling cost-effective development and rapid customization for different applications. Key features include a high thrust-to-weight ratio, digital engine control with integrated FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), and an electric drive mechanism powered by a gear less PMG (Permanent Magnet Generator). These engines are designed to power various platforms including cruise missiles, unmanned combat aerial vehicles, aerial targets, and decoy systems. In December 2023, Paninian partnered with Godrej Aerospace to accelerate the development of these small aero-engines for aerospace and naval applications.

Current Status And Future Development

As of June 2025, the SVAYATT-L1 appears to be in the concept and development phase, having been showcased at Aero India 2025. The missile represents Paninian's emergence as a key player in India's defence ecosystem and highlights the growing role of private start-ups in supporting the country's self-reliance in defence technology. With partnerships like the one with Godrej Aerospace for engine manufacturing, Paninian is positioning itself to move from design and development to production phases for both the SVAYATT-L1 and Yantur engines. The company's focus on integrating AI and advanced materials into these systems demonstrates a forward-looking approach to meeting the demands of modern warfare.

Conclusion

The SVAYATT-L1 Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile and Yantur family of micro jet engines represent significant achievements in India's quest for self-reliance in defence technology. Developed by Paninian India Pvt Ltd under the leadership of Raghu Adla, these systems showcase the potential of Indian start-up's to contribute meaningfully to the country's defence capabilities.

The SVAYATT-L1's advanced features—including stealth capabilities, AI-driven mission planning, and autonomous operation—position it as a potential game-changer for India's strategic strike options. Similarly, the indigenous development of the Yantur engine family addresses a critical gap in India's aerospace ecosystem, potentially reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for crucial propulsion technologies. As these systems progress from development to potential deployment, they could significantly enhance India's defence posture while advancing the country's technological self-sufficiency in the aerospace and defence sectors.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)