Context:
India is developing Sheshnaag-150, an advanced long-range swarm attack drone, reflecting a major push towards AI-driven autonomous warfare capabilities.
Key Highlights:
- Technology / System Overview
- Sheshnaag-150 is a collaborative swarm drone system designed for deep-strike and saturation attacks.
- Developed by NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), a Bengaluru-based startup.
- Key Features
- Weight: ~150 kg
- Payload capacity: 25–40 kg (suitable for infrastructure and military targets)
- Range: >1000 km
- Endurance: 5+ hours flight time
- Advanced Capabilities
- AI-powered swarm technology:
- Multiple drones operate coordinated autonomously.
- Enables defence evasion and simultaneous strikes.
- Autonomous Targeting:
- Real-time surveillance, identification, and strike execution.
- GPS-denied navigation:
- Uses visual navigation systems to function even under signal jamming.
- Loitering capability:
- Can hover over target areas before attack execution.
- Operational Role
- Designed for deep penetration missions into enemy territory.
- Enables saturation attacks to overwhelm air defence systems.
- Useful in asymmetric warfare and modern battlefield scenarios.
- Significance
- Strengthens India’s capabilities in unmanned and AI-based warfare.
- Reduces dependence on manned combat systems.
- Enhances precision strike capability with minimal risk to personnel.
- Aligns with global trends in drone swarm warfare (e.g., US, China, Israel).
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Swarm Drones:
- Multiple UAVs operating in a coordinated, decentralized manner.
- NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT):
- Indian startup focusing on AI-driven unmanned systems.
- Loitering Munition:
- Drone that can hover and strike targets when identified.
- GPS-denied environment:
- Situation where satellite navigation signals are jammed or unavailable.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Changing Nature of Warfare:
- Shift from platform-centric warfare to network-centric and autonomous systems.
- Rise of AI, robotics, and unmanned systems.
- Strategic Advantages:
- Cost-effective force multiplier.
- Ability to overwhelm advanced air defence systems.
- Enhances deterrence capability.
- Challenges / Concerns:
- Ethical concerns around autonomous lethal weapons.
- Risk of proliferation and misuse by non-state actors.
- Need for robust cybersecurity and counter-drone systems.
- Way Forward:
- Develop indigenous AI and drone ecosystem under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Strengthen counter-drone defence systems.
- Establish regulatory and ethical frameworks for autonomous weapons.
- Promote civil-military integration in emerging technologies.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology, Defence Technology, Internal Security