Successful High Altitude Test of Loitering Munition Developed by Solar Industries

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The changing nature of warfare, rising conflicts and the never-ending great-power competition has given rise to complex geometries in global geopolitical positioning. The world's future is filled with eternal uncertainty. The advances in technology such as quantum computing. artificial intelligence and digital surveillance have transformed the military worldwide. As a driving force, technology has embedded itself in the power showbiz and has initiated an unprecedented competition between global powers including the emerging middle power. Acquiring innovative power, capacity to invent and adapting fast to new technologies is now a key determinant for all involved in the ongoing power game in the emerging new world order.

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New Delhi: In keeping with its commitment to contribute in Atmanirbharta in Defence, Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), a 100 % subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd, has achieved another milestone in developing “Loitering Munitions” and successfully testing it in high altitude conditions in Ladakh in association with Z Motion Autonomous System Pvt Ltd, Bangalore.

All 3 newly developed Loitering Munitions (LM0, LM1 and Hexacopter) have successfully been tested in Nubra Valley area of Ladakh last month during March 21-23, 2022. While LM0 and LM1 achieved full endurance of 60 minutes, the hexa-copter did 30 mins flight, making it for the first time in the world that the Man Portable Loiter Munitions with 4 Kg warhead have successfully tested at flight ceiling of 4500 m, thanks to the facilitation by Army Design Bureau.

For development of these high technology end systems Solar has been working closely with Z Motion Autonomous System Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore having expertise in the design and development of drones, UAVs, control and communication systems etc. In a strategic decision Solar has announced an acquisition of 45% equity stake for an undisclosed consideration in Z Motion Autonomous System Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore. This investment will strengthen the Solar’s initiative of developing weaponized Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for offensive and Counter Drone systems for defensive role.

All these products are having more than 80% indigenous contents and will meet global quality and safety standards. Moreover, these indigenous products will be economical by 40% compared to import which is the only option available as on date.

Battlefield is changing very rapidly with more technologically advanced and innovative systems being inducted by armed forces worldwide. Drones and UAVs based surveillance and loiter munitions have given new dimensions to warfare. To meet the aspiration of our armed forces Solar has diversified into the design and development of weaponised drones and UAVs as the strategic ammunition delivery systems. The systems under development includes Drone based Gravity Drop Bombs, Loiter Munitions, Missiles on Drones etc., which can carry a variety of explosive warheads to neutralize soft skinned targets in open, tanks & combat vehicles, civil fortifications, etc. In addition to this, Solar Industries is also developing Counter Drone Systems for engaging swarm of hostile drones through kinetic kill using killer drones and micro-missiles.