Indigenous Vayu Astra-1 Completes High Altitude Trials in Uttarakhand, Pokhran

Nibe Limited has successfully completed technical trials of its Vayu Astra-1 ammunition for the Indian Army in Pokhran. | Photo credit: Nibe Group

Pune-based defense technology firm Nibe Limited has successfully completed free and non-binding demonstrations of its indigenous ‘Vayu Astra-1’ Roaming Munition System during trials conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan and Joshimath (Malari) in Uttarakhand in April for the Indian Army.

According to Nibe Limited, the company conducted the first demonstration of the Vayu Astra-1 anti-personnel variant at the Pokhran Range on April 18-19. The roving munition, equipped with a 10 kg warhead, successfully hit its target at a distance of 100 km in a single attempt and achieved a circular error probability (CEP) of less than one meter. The system also demonstrated the ability to abort an attack and re-attack during the trial.

The company further added that the loitering munition is based on an Israeli-origin platform and has been modified for operational requirements.

Nibe Limited has successfully completed technical trials of its Vayu Astra-1 ammunition for the Indian Army at Joshimath. | Photo credit: Nibe Group

During the demonstration, the team also conducted an anti-armor night strike using an infrared camera. The ammunition successfully hit the target at a CEP of two meters on a single attempt. In addition, the test demonstrated the ability to transfer operational control from a ground control station to a forward control segment 70 km away.

High altitude trials of Vayu Astra-1 were conducted at Joshimath (Malari) in Uttarakhand on 26-27 April. During these tests, the loitering munition successfully completed endurance flying for more than 90 minutes at an altitude exceeding 14,000 feet.

The company said the system also demonstrated successful recovery after mission completion, allowing it to be reused for subsequent operations.

Earlier, the company successfully conducted launch tests of its original Suryastra missiles with a range of 150 km and 300 km at the Integrated Test Range on 18 and 19 May.

Published – 21 May 2026 22:58 IST