In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, Pune-based Nibe Limited has successfully conducted trials of its Vayu Astra-1 loitering munition system with a strike range of 100 kilometres during testing at Pokhran in Rajasthan and Joshimath (Malari) in Uttarakhand.
According to the company, the demonstrations were carried out at the Pokhran firing range on April 18 and 19, followed by high-altitude operational trials in Uttarakhand on April 26 and 27.
The Vayu Astra-1 loitering munition, developed in an anti-personnel configuration, reportedly completed its first No Cost No Commitment (NCNC) demonstration successfully at the Pokhran range while carrying a 10 kg warhead. Under the Ministry of Defence’s procurement process, NCNC trials allow the armed forces to evaluate defence equipment without any financial obligation or commitment to purchase.
Nibe Limited stated that the loitering munition successfully struck its target at a distance of 100 km in a single attempt while achieving a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than one metre, indicating extremely high targeting precision.
The company further claimed that the system demonstrated advanced combat capabilities, including abort-attack and re-attack functionality during the trials. The loitering munition is reportedly based on an Israeli-origin platform and has been adapted for Indian operational requirements.
During separate anti-armour night strike tests, the system successfully engaged targets using an infrared (IR) camera guidance system. Officials said the munition achieved a precision strike within a 2-metre CEP during the night operation in a single attempt.
Another major capability demonstrated during the trials was the successful handover of operational control from the Ground Control Station (GCS) to a forward control segment positioned nearly 70 km away, highlighting the platform’s battlefield flexibility and extended operational control.
In the high-altitude trials conducted at Joshimath (Malari) in Uttarakhand, the Vayu Astra-1 reportedly flew for over 90 minutes and successfully completed missions at altitudes exceeding 14,000 feet. The company also stated that the loitering munition demonstrated recovery capability after mission completion, allowing it to be reused for subsequent operations.
The successful demonstrations come shortly after Nibe Limited announced the successful testing of its Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher system at the Interim Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur earlier this month.
The Suryastra trials, conducted on May 18 and 19, reportedly validated the system’s long-range precision strike capability with dedicated 150 km and 300 km range rockets. The system was developed under an emergency procurement order placed by the Indian Army in January 2026.
The recent back-to-back defence trials are being viewed as a significant milestone for India’s growing indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem and the country’s push towards self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
