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Indian Defence Company Tests Advanced Loitering Munition System
Nibe Limited has successfully completed demonstration trials of its indigenous loitering munition system Vayu Astra-1 with a strike range of 100 kilometres during tests conducted in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. The company stated that the system showcased high-precision targeting, high-altitude endurance, and advanced attack capabilities during the trials.
Pune-based defence company Nibe Limited has announced the successful completion of no-cost, no-commitment (NCNC) demonstration trials of its loitering munition system Vayu Astra-1 during tests conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan and Joshimath (Malari) in Uttarakhand.
According to the company, the demonstrations were held at Pokhran on April 18 and 19 and later in Joshimath on April 26 and 27. The anti-personnel variant of the Vayu Astra-1 carried a 10 kg warhead and reportedly struck its target at a distance of 100 km in a single attempt with a circular error probable (CEP) of less than one metre. The system also demonstrated abort-attack and re-attack capabilities.
The company stated that the loitering munition system is based on Israeli technology and successfully completed anti-armour night strike trials using infrared imaging guidance, achieving a CEP within two metres. It also demonstrated the capability to transfer operational control from the ground control station to a forward control segment located 70 km away.
During high-altitude endurance trials in Uttarakhand, the system reportedly operated for more than 90 minutes at altitudes exceeding 14,000 feet. The company further said that the munition system demonstrated recovery capability after mission completion, allowing it to be reused for subsequent flights.
Separately, Nibe Limited also announced the successful test-firing of its Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher system at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur. The trials, conducted on May 18 and 19, reportedly met all mission objectives with high precision.
The company noted that the recent developments follow a major purchase order awarded under the Indian Army’s Emergency Procurement window in January 2026 for the development and supply of the Suryastra launcher system along with 150 km and 300 km range rockets.
