New Delhi: India is currently facing significant challenges in selecting its next manned fighter aircraft, with a recent offer from both Russia and the US to acquire F-35 and Su-57 stealth fighters adding to the complexity. Simultaneously, a breakthrough in indigenous defence technology has been achieved with the successful flight test of the Sheshnaag-150, a long-range collaborative attack swarming drone developed by NewSpace Research Technologies (NRT). This system is designed for coordinated swarm attacks, capable of overwhelming enemy defences and executing precision strikes.
Developed by NewSpace Research Technologies (NRT), the Sheshnaag-150 represents a significant advancement in autonomous drone technology, specifically designed for coordinated swarm attacks. This system is part of a broader family of intelligent swarming systems aimed at overwhelming enemy defences through precision strikes. With an operational range exceeding 1,000 km and an endurance of over 5 hours, the Sheshnaag-150 can loiter over target areas, providing real-time surveillance and strategic attack options. The drone’s capability to carry warheads weighing between 25-40 kg enables it to inflict substantial damage on enemy infrastructure, vehicles, or personnel.
Beyond its physical capabilities, the Sheshnaag-150’s true strength lies in its sophisticated software and electronic systems. The AI systems, enable the drones to operate autonomously with minimal human intervention, while identifying, tracking, and engaging enemy targets. The system supports a variety of missions, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare (EW) operations. This versatility makes the Sheshnaag-150 a valuable asset for modern warfare, capable of executing complex tasks with precision and speed.
The development of the Sheshnaag-150 marks a significant leap forward in autonomous warfare technology, offering military forces enhanced capabilities in complex combat environments. By leveraging swarm tactics and advanced AI, these drones can overwhelm adversaries, creating a force multiplier effect in critical operations. The integration of such systems into India’s defence strategy is poised to transform the way combat missions are planned and executed, ensuring readiness for future warfare challenges.
In the context of border security, the Sheshnaag-150 could play a crucial role in monitoring high-altitude regions during stand-off. A swarm of these drones could be deployed to identify adversary troop movements in real-time, enabling rapid response to potential incursions. If an incursion is detected, the drones could autonomously engage enemy positions, neutralising threats before they escalate into full-scale confrontations. This capability minimises risks to Indian soldiers while maintaining a strong defensive posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
Beyond border security, the Sheshnaag-150 could be utilised for pre-emptive counter-terror operations in hostile areas. If intelligence suggests an impending terror attack, a drone swarm could be dispatched to track and eliminate high-value targets in remote hideouts. The drones could conduct coordinated strikes on terror camps, ammunition depots, or infiltration routes, effectively disrupting enemy networks. Additionally, their electronic warfare capabilities could jam enemy communications, further degrading their ability to coordinate attacks.
The integration of advanced AI-based technologies in the Sheshnaag-150 enhances its mission effectiveness, allowing for additional roles such as Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). This adaptability makes the Sheshnaag-150 a versatile asset for various strategic scenarios, including gathering critical intelligence and performing reconnaissance missions.
As NRT continues to refine and enhance the capabilities of the Sheshnaag series, it is poised to become a key player in reshaping the dynamics of modern aerial combat, offering military forces enhanced capabilities in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. The Sheshnaag-150 is poised to address the deep strike needs of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. As the Indian armed forces face conventional capability gaps and budgetary constraints, the potential for swarming systems like the Sheshnaag-150 is significant. An Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, briefed on the Sheshnaag-150 at Aero India 2025, noted that there is always a need for platforms that can create a combat mass with diverse payloads and attack options. This sentiment underscores the strategic value of the Sheshnaag-150 in modern warfare, particularly in its ability to conduct autonomous operations with minimal human intervention, enhancing the military’s operational flexibility and effectiveness.
The Sheshnaag-150 is designed for coordinated swarm attacks, allowing multiple drones to overwhelm enemy defences and execute precision strikes to inflict significant damage on enemy infrastructure, vehicles, or personnel, making it a formidable asset in attritable warfare. The Sheshnaag-150 is being developed internally by the start-up and will be pitched for the certain deep strike swarm-based needs of the Army, Air Force and the Navy. The system is potentially deployable along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan for border security and counter-terror operations.
