In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, Nibe Limited has successfully conducted test-firings of its Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher system at the Interim Test Range Chandipur.
The consecutive trials were carried out on May 18 and 19, 2026, and achieved all mission objectives with exceptional precision, the Pune-based defence firm said in an official statement.
Trials Validate Long-Range Precision Strike Capability
According to the company, the Suryastra system underwent rigorous evaluation during the two-day testing exercise across short, medium and long-range strike scenarios.
The trials demonstrated the system’s high accuracy and operational flexibility under multiple firing conditions.
Data collected during the Chandipur tests reportedly confirmed the launcher’s advanced long-range precision strike capability.
The company stated that the rockets achieved an exceptionally low Circular Error Probable (CEP), which measures targeting accuracy:
- 150 km range rocket achieved a CEP of just 1.5 metres
- 300 km range rocket achieved a CEP of just 2 metres
Defence experts consider a CEP of under two metres at such long distances as a major technological achievement, placing the system among the most accurate long-range rocket artillery platforms globally.
Indian Army Had Fast-Tracked Procurement
The successful trials come months after Indian Army awarded a key purchase order to Nibe Limited in January 2026 under its Emergency Procurement window.
The contract accelerated the development and supply of the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher system along with dedicated 150 km and 300 km range rockets.
The weapon system is expected to provide the armed forces with a flexible, rapid-response and cost-effective precision strike capability suited for modern warfare scenarios.
Bridges Gap Between Artillery And Ballistic Missiles
According to the company, the Suryastra system is designed to bridge the operational gap between conventional field artillery and heavy ballistic missile systems.
The launcher is intended to neutralise high-value targets with minimal collateral damage while ensuring rapid deployment capabilities on the battlefield.
Its long-range precision and mobility are expected to strengthen India’s evolving rocket artillery capabilities significantly.
Collaboration With Israeli Defence Technology
The Suryastra rockets are based on the Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) technology developed by Elbit Systems.
The rockets are now planned to be manufactured in India through a partnership between Elbit Systems and Nibe Group, aligning with the government’s push for indigenous defence production under the Make in India initiative.
The successful Chandipur trials are being viewed as an important milestone in India’s efforts to enhance self-reliance in advanced defence technologies and precision-guided weapon systems.
