India’s indigenously developed Rudrastra drone, an advanced hybrid VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) system, has successfully completed field trials at Pokhran.

Designed by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited, it combines surveillance and strike capabilities and represents a major step in India's push for self-reliance in defence technology.

Key Points:

• Rudrastra uses a hybrid VTOL design combining six vertical lift rotors and a pusher propeller, enabling vertical take-off and long-range fixed-wing flight.
• The drone demonstrated mission success during June 11–12 trials, showcasing encrypted video relay, target engagement, and safe recovery after simulated combat.
• It features an 8 kg precision-guided warhead, 45 kg total payload, 1.5-hour endurance, and a 50 km mission radius with autonomous return capability.
• The platform uses indigenously developed engines and components, aligning with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative and DRDO-supported defence goals.
• Rudrastra is expected to enhance India's tactical capabilities along difficult terrains by offering both reconnaissance and precision-strike functions from a single UAV platform.