Solar Industries | IMR

EU Looks to Indian Weapons as Defense Spending Ramps Up

IMR Reporter — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:58:07 +0000

In a significant development, several European Union countries are looking to procure Indian-made weapons systems, fueled by U.S. calls for increased defense spending amid rising global tensions. This shift towards Indian defense offerings, characterized by cost-effectiveness and technology transfer opportunities, aligns with the EU’s need to bolster military capabilities and reduce reliance on U.S. arms. Additionally, the EU’s announcement of an $850 billion defense plan is expected to further benefit Indian defense firms like Bharat Dynamics and Solar Industries as global defense spending rises, creating avenues for partnerships and joint ventures. With India’s defense exports reaching over ₹21,000 crore in FY 2022-23, the push for self-reliance and modernization positions India as a pivotal player in the evolving global defense landscape.

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Solar Industries Launches Dual-Mode Bhargavastra CUAS for Enhanced Drone Defence

IMR Reporter — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:48:48 +0000

Solar Industries has launched the Bhargavastra Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS), featuring dual-mode capabilities with both guided micro-missiles and unguided rockets, significantly enhancing India’s indigenous counter-drone technology. This system aims to address the increasing threat of drones in modern warfare, offering a cost-effective and flexible solution that aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The guided micro-missiles can neutralize UAVs at ranges exceeding 6 kilometres, while the unguided rockets provide rapid response for saturating threats. This innovation underscores India’s сommitment to self-reliance in defence, adapting to evolving aerial challenges while ensuring operational flexibility for the Armed Forces across diverse terrains.

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Indian Army issues RFI for Aerial Targeting system and Loitering munitions

IMR Reporter — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 07:57:28 +0000

The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, intends to procure Quantity 10 (Ten) sets of Aerial Targeting Systems (Extended Range) along with 120 (One Hundred Twenty) Loiter Munitions under Buy (Indian) Category through Fast Track Procedure under Emergency Procurement process from prospective Bidders subject to meeting its requirements.

An aerial Targeting System (Extended Range) is a vehicle-mounted canister/ pneumatically/ VTOL launched system with range and endurance to carry out intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and accurate engagement of High-Value Targets in all spectrums of warfare.

Aerial Targeting System (Extended Range) should have a minimum range of 100km with 2 meters CEP and can launch from Vehicle based canister /Pneumatic/VTOL method and can carry 8kg or more warhead with an endurance of 2hrs.

Loitering munitions are a mix of a surface-to-surface missile and a drone. They can destroy radar installations, air defence systems, communication centres as well as dynamic targets such as enemy vehicles and troops

During March 21-23, the newly-developed loitering munitions (LM0, LM1, and Hexacopter) were tested in the Nubra Valley region of Ladakh.

In addition, the Indian Army has requested additional smart loiter munitions, also known as Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munitions (CALM) Systems, for deployment in the plains and deserts along the western borders, as well as in high altitude areas up to 5,100 metres along the northern border.

Economic Explosives Limited, a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd, and Zmotion Autonomous Systems co-developed the three loitering munitions.

The Indian Army has placed a request for 150 Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munitions (CALM) Systems.

India already uses the Israeli Harop loitering munition and in September 2021, placed an order for 100 explosive-laden ‘SkyStrikers’, capable of long-range tactical strikes from Bengaluru-headquartered firm Alpha Design, in a joint venture (JV) with Israeli firm Elbit Security Systems.

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Economics Explosives develops ‘Loitering Munitions’ for High Altitude

IMR Reporter — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 07:35:00 +0000

Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd, has developed ‘Loitering Munitions’ and successfully tested 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 21-23 March 2022. While LM0 and LM1 achieved full endurance of 60 minutes, the hexacopter 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 a flight ceiling of 4500m, thanks to the facilitation by Army Design Bureau,” said a statement by the company.

In a strategic decision, Solar has announced an acquisition of a 45 per cent equity stake for an undisclosed consideration in Z Motion Autonomous System Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore. This investment will strengthen Solar’s initiative of developing weaponized Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for offensive and Counter Drone systems for the defensive role, said the statement.

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