Nagpur, Maharashtra – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Loitering Munition Testing Range and a dedicated runway facility for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited in Nagpur. This marks a significant step in strengthening India's defence sector by boosting indigenous research, testing, and production capabilities for modern warfare technology.
The newly launched Loitering Munition Testing Range will serve as a critical facility for testing and refining loitering munitions—self-destructive aerial systems designed for precision strikes on enemy targets. These advanced systems are increasingly becoming an integral part of modern warfare, providing high accuracy and operational efficiency.
The UAV runway facility is another key addition, specifically designed for testing and evaluating unmanned aerial systems. With the increasing deployment of drones in both military and civilian applications, this infrastructure will help India advance its drone technology, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
Speaking at the inauguration, PM Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to making India a global leader in the defence sector. He highlighted that investments in defence infrastructure and indigenous manufacturing are crucial for national security and economic growth. The new facilities will also create job opportunities and foster innovation in the aerospace industry.
The establishment of these testing and operational facilities at Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited aligns with India’s broader vision of strengthening its defence ecosystem. The initiative is expected to attract collaborations with global defence technology firms while enabling local startups and enterprises to contribute to India’s growing defence capabilities.
With this milestone, India continues to make strides in modernizing its military infrastructure, ensuring technological advancement and strategic preparedness in an evolving global defence landscape.
