The Indian Army has recently signed a ₹293 crore agreement with Pune-based NIBE Limited, in partnership with Elbit Systems, for the supply of the Suryastra Rocket Launcher System. This marks a significant step in India’s push for indigenous defence technology and is an important current affairs development discussed in UPSC coaching in Hyderabad.
Suryastra Rocket System
- It is the country’s first home-grown universal multi-calibre rocket launcher.
- Designed by NIBE Limited (Pune) with technological support from Israel’s Elbit Systems.
- Built on Elbit’s PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) platform.
Key Features
- Long-Range Strikes: Can hit surface-to-surface targets at ranges of 150 km and 300 km.
- Multi-Target Capability: Able to attack several targets at different ranges at the same time.
- High Accuracy: Demonstrated precision with a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 5 metres during trials.
- Loitering Munitions: The same launcher can fire loitering munitions up to 100 km range, adding versatility.
- Advanced Fire Control: Equipped with GPS, inertial navigation, and digital ballistic computation for precise targeting.
- Quick Reload & Mobility: Semi-automated reload and shoot-and-scoot ability reduce vulnerability to enemy counter-attacks.
Strategic Importance
- Enhances India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework.
- Provides the Army with a modern, flexible, and highly accurate rocket artillery system—an area often analysed in IAS coaching for GS-III (Defence & Security).
- Strengthens India’s deterrence capability by combining long-range precision with rapid deployment.
- Collaboration with Israel highlights India’s emphasis on technology transfer and strategic defence partnerships, a recurring theme in civils coaching in Hyderabad.
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