In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s defence capabilities, Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd (SDAL) has partnered with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) to develop a cutting-edge 150 kg class Loitering Munition Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (LM-UAV). The agreement, signed at the CSIR-NAL campus in Bengaluru, underscores India’s commitment to advancing its indigenous defence technology.
The collaboration will see SDAL and CSIR-NAL jointly undertaking the full design, development, and testing of the new LM-UAV. The aircraft will be powered by a Wankel engine developed by NAL, which has already achieved CEMILAC certification, ensuring its readiness for aircraft integration and real flight trials. The project aims to maximise the use of Indian-made components, reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, lauded the partnership, highlighting CSIR’s innovative approach in involving an industry partner from the project’s inception. “This collaboration ensures that SDAL is integrated right from the design phase through to development and testing,” he stated, emphasising the strategic importance of the initiative.
The LM-UAV is designed for extended range and endurance, capable of covering approximately 900 km in a single mission and remaining airborne for 6 to 9 hours. It will operate at altitudes of up to 5 km, maintaining steady performance throughout. The UAV will feature a very low Radar Cross Section, making it difficult to detect by enemy radars, and will function effectively in GPS-denied environments, ensuring mission success even in electronically contested areas.
Equipped with an AI-enabled Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO-IR) payload, the LM-UAV will provide real-time data for Detection, Recognition, and Identification, significantly enhancing its operational effectiveness.
The partnership was formalised through CSIR’s Combined Technical cum Commercial Bidding System (CTCCBS), where SDAL emerged victorious over four other competitors, including foreign firms and Defence Public Sector Undertakings. This collaboration not only highlights the growing synergy between India’s public and private sectors but also sets a precedent for future defence projects.
As India continues to strengthen its defence technology sector, the SDAL and CSIR-NAL partnership marks a pivotal step towards achieving self-reliance and technological sovereignty in aerospace and defence.