Following the recent military conflict with Pakistan, which saw a slew of drone attacks by India's western neighbour, the Indian Army actively worked to induct more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to be prepared to mitigate similar threats in the future.

India carried out Operation Sindoor, where it conducted the first non-contact military operations of its kind using drones, missiles, and munitions.

The Army accelerated its procurement process and saw successful trials of hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs manufactured by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL).

VTOL UAVs took off and landed vertically with no need for runways. This feature made them effective and versatile for operations like surveillance, mapping, and delivery, especially in tough terrains.

India named the indigenous hybrid VTOL UAV "Rudrastra" to emphasise the power of Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The trials took place at the Pokharan Firing Range on June 11, 2025. The demonstration was conducted as per the Army’s specifications. These included VTOL capability, long endurance, precision engagement and operational versatility.

Sources said that during the trial, Rudrastra delivered a reliable performance. It maintained a stable real-time video link while operating over a mission radius of more than 50 km.

The UAV completed its mission and returned to its launch point without any difficulties. The total range, including loitering in the target area, crossed 170 km. It had an endurance of approximately an hour and a half.

These VTOL UAVs could be used for surveillance, target engagement and reconnaissance. The Indian armed forces had inducted VTOL UAVs from various manufacturers. Rudrastra was a VTOL UAV with the latest technology being developed indigenously.

After successful trials and following due process, the Army could deploy these UAVs as required.