India Defence News – On March 30, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in the defence sector by inaugurating the Loitering Munition Test Range at the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Sharing his thoughts on the event via a tweet, PM Modi stated, “I visited the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited facility in Nagpur and inaugurated the Loitering Munition Test Range. This will significantly boost self-reliance in the defence sector.” This development underscores India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence technologies and its ambition to become a global leader in military innovation.
A Historic Visit to Nagpur
The Prime Minister’s visit to Nagpur was a multifaceted affair, blending defence advancements with cultural and community engagements. Arriving in the city on Sunday, PM Modi began his day by paying floral tributes to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Smruti Mandir, coinciding with Varsha Pratipada, a significant cultural occasion. Accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the visit highlighted the government’s respect for tradition alongside its focus on progress.
I visited the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited facility in Nagpur and inaugurated the Loitering Munition Test Range. This will significantly boost self-reliance in the defence sector. pic.twitter.com/ck7qvGFbty
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2025
Following this, PM Modi held a vibrant roadshow in Nagpur, where large crowds gathered to welcome him, reflecting his widespread popularity. However, the centerpiece of his itinerary was the visit to the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited facility, a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd., where he inaugurated the state-of-the-art Loitering Munition Test Range and a 1.27-km runway for testing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The Loitering Munition Test Range: A Game-Changer
Spanning over 1,080 acres, the newly inaugurated Loitering Munition Test Range is a pioneering facility designed to test and refine advanced weaponry, particularly loitering munitions—often referred to as "suicide drones." These systems are engineered to hover over a target area for an extended period before executing precision strikes, making them ideal for engaging high-value or mobile targets without risking troops.
The facility includes a dedicated Command and Control Centre, a UAV takeoff area, endurance and communication testing zones, and capabilities for assessing target engagement and warhead lethality.
During the visit, PM Modi was briefed by Solar Industries Chairman Satyanarayan Nandlal Nuwal, who emphasized that this is the first such center in India. Nuwal said, “The Loitering Munition Test centre that we have—I don’t think there is any such centre in our country. We want to fulfill our commitments on time, and hence we have established that.”
The facility supports the testing of indigenous systems like the Nagastra series, including the Nagastra-1 (already supplied to the Indian Army) and the advanced Nagastra-3, a vehicle-launched loitering munition with a 100-km range and three-hour endurance.
The runway, tailored for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs, further enhances India’s capacity to develop and test next-generation unmanned systems. Solar Defence showcased an array of indigenous products during the visit, including the Pinaka Rocket System, air bombs, anti-tank guided missiles, and the Bhargavastra micro-missile counter-drone system, highlighting the company’s growing role in India’s defence ecosystem.
Boosting Self-Reliance in Defence
The inauguration aligns seamlessly with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, a flagship vision of the Modi government to reduce dependence on imports and foster domestic innovation.
The defence sector has been a key focus, with policies like the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 aiming for a Rs. 1.75 lakh crore turnover by 2025, including Rs. 35,000 crore in exports.
The Nagpur facility is a tangible step toward this goal, enabling rigorous testing and production of advanced munitions and UAVs.
This development comes on the heels of a Rs. 12,700 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 22, 2025, between Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a Solar Industries subsidiary, and the Maharashtra government during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The agreement aims to establish a mega defence and aerospace project in Nagpur, focusing on drones, counter-drone systems, and next-generation explosives, further cementing the region as a hub for defence innovation.
The facility’s capabilities also support India’s strategic needs in modern warfare, where drones and precision munitions have proven decisive, as seen in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. By developing systems like Nagastra—equipped with GPS-guided strikes and reusable parachute recovery—India is positioning itself as a competitive player in global defence markets.
Broader Impact and Vision
PM Modi’s tweet reflects the broader significance of this initiative: “This will significantly boost self-reliance in the defence sector.” Beyond technology, the facility creates opportunities for local industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthens India’s aerospace capabilities. It also complements recent achievements, such as the Indian Army’s adoption of Nagastra-1 and Pinaka systems, and aligns with the government’s push for private-sector participation in defence manufacturing.
During his visit, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, emphasizing healthcare alongside defence and culture. Addressing a gathering, he highlighted bold reforms like medical education in regional languages, a move he said ensures access for underprivileged students—a testament to the government’s holistic approach to development.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Loitering Munition Test Range in Nagpur on March 30, 2025, is more than a technological milestone—it’s a symbol of India’s resolve to secure its future through innovation and self-reliance. Under PM Modi’s leadership, initiatives like these are transforming India’s defence landscape, reducing import reliance, and projecting the nation as a formidable force on the global stage. As Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited expands its footprint, Nagpur is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, blending cutting-edge technology with the strength of its people.