With the increasing role of drones in modern warfare, countries are investing in low-cost, high-impact unmanned systems. Platforms such as Iran’s Shahed-136 and the US LUCAS UAV have demonstrated how inexpensive drones can deliver significant battlefield advantages.
In this context, India is developing Sheshnaag-150, a long-range swarm attack drone system, as part of its effort to build indigenous unmanned combat capabilities.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Drone Name | Sheshnaag-150 |
| Developed by | NewSpace Research Technologies (Bengaluru) |
| Type | Long-range swarm attack drone |
| Range | Over 1,000 km |
| Payload | 25–40 kg warhead |
| Endurance | More than 5 hours |
| Key Feature | AI-enabled swarm capability |
About Sheshnaag-150
Sheshnaag-150 is India’s closest equivalent to loitering munition systems like the Shahed-136, but with a more advanced design. It is capable of operating over long distances and carrying a substantial warhead, making it suitable for deep strike missions.
The drone completed its maiden flight about a year ago and is currently undergoing testing and evaluation for potential induction into India’s armed forces.
Operational Features
The system is designed to function as a swarm attack platform, where multiple drones operate together in a coordinated manner. This allows them to overwhelm enemy air defence systems through saturation attacks while carrying out precise strikes on selected targets.
It can:
- Remain airborne for over five hours
- Perform surveillance and loitering before striking
- Identify, track, and engage targets with minimal human intervention
The payload capacity of 25–40 kg enables it to target: Military infrastructure, Personnel, Vehicles.
Swarm Technology
The most critical aspect of Sheshnaag-150 is its AI-powered swarm technology.
Instead of operating as isolated units, drones:
- Communicate with each other
- Coordinate flight paths and attack patterns
- Adapt dynamically during missions
This is enabled by advanced algorithms and proprietary control software, often referred to as the system’s “mother code,” which manages multiple drones simultaneously and ensures resilience even if some units are neutralised.
Navigation and Technological Edge
Unlike many systems that rely heavily on satellite navigation (GPS), Sheshnaag-150 is expected to incorporate visual navigation systems in the future.
This allows it to:
- Operate in GPS-denied environments
- Remain functional even during electronic warfare or signal jamming
This feature is crucial in modern conflicts where satellite signals can be disrupted.
Strategic Importance
- Strengthens India’s indigenous defence capabilities
- Provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive missile systems
- Enhances:
- Deep strike capability
- Battlefield flexibility
- Supports: Modern network-centric warfare
- Helps counter: Advanced air defence systems
Related Indian Drone Developments
Project KAL
- Developed by IG Drones (Noida)
- Long-range kamikaze drone
- Range: Up to 1,000 km
- Endurance: 3–5 hours
- Designed for deep penetration strikes
Nagastra-1
| Feature | Details |
| Developer | Solar Industries (EEL) |
| Type | Man-portable loitering munition |
| Range | Up to 30 km |
| Accuracy | ~2 metres |
- India’s first indigenous suicide drone
- Designed for low-cost precision strikes
SkyStriker
- Developed by Alpha Design (India) + Elbit Systems (Israel)
- Range: ~100 km
- Recently deployed in Jammu & Kashmir
- Used for tactical strike missions
ALFA-S (Air-Launched Flexible Asset – Swarm)
- Developed by HAL + NewSpace Research
- Launched from aircraft like: Su-30MKI and Jaguar
- Targets:
- Air defence systems
- Radars
Development Acceleration
The Sheshnaag programme gained urgency after Operation Sindoor, when the Indian military sought faster development of indigenous long-range swarm strike capabilities.
What began as an internal R&D project is now being evaluated for operational deployment.
Global Context
- Shahed-136 (Iran):
- Low-cost loitering munition
- Widely used in conflicts
- LUCAS UAV (USA):
- Advanced drone with jam-resistant communication systems (e.g., Starlink integration)
India’s approach with Sheshnaag-150 focuses on:
- Autonomy and AI coordination
- Resilience in contested environments
Static Facts
Loitering Munition
- A drone that:
- Loiters over a target area
- Strikes when a target is identified
- Also called:
- “Suicide drones” or “kamikaze drones”
Swarm Drones
- Multiple drones operating as a coordinated system
- Inspired by: Biological swarms (e.g., bees, birds)
- Advantage:
- Harder to detect and neutralise
Modern Warfare Trend
- Shift from: Heavy, expensive systems→ Low-cost, autonomous systems
- Increasing role of:
- AI
- Robotics
- Network-centric warfare