SDAL and CSIR-NAL Partner to Develop Indigenous 150 kg Loitering Munition UAV

India is preparing to add a new set of long-range drones and loitering munitions built with locally developed engines. Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd (SDAL) has signed an agreement with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) to work jointly on a 150 kg class Loitering Munition – UAV (LM-UAV).  

The project is to reduce dependence on imported power plants, which currently support most unmanned platforms in the country. 

Agreement Details 

The signing took place at CSIR-NAL’s Bengaluru campus. Under the arrangement, SDAL will collaborate with NAL across the design, development, and testing stages of the LM-UAV.  

The model is planned with a high share of indigenous components, including payload systems that can be adjusted for different operational uses. 

Engine Development 

A key part of the programme is the Wankel engine created by NAL. This engine has already received CEMILAC certification for aircraft integration and flight testing, making it ready for further deployment.  

It will serve as the primary power source for the LM-UAV, which is being developed to handle longer missions and varied payloads as required by defence forces. 

Government Statement 

Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, commented on the collaboration during the event.  

He noted CSIR’s approach of bringing in an industry partner from the start, covering the entire cycle from design to testing. The project has been described as part of a plan to build domestic capacity in aerospace technologies. 

Context and Background 

India has largely depended on foreign suppliers for engines across most categories of unmanned systems. The SDAL–NAL project is intended to shift that pattern by creating an indigenous option for long-range drones and loitering munitions.  

The partnership highlights a move towards establishing local production lines and reducing reliance on overseas equipment. 

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Conclusion  

The LM-UAV project begins a fresh phase of development around a fully indigenous power plant. Its progress will indicate how domestic technologies can be scaled for long-range and mission-specific unmanned systems. 

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