Derived Text with Courtesy: Team LiveFist
India is currently facing significant challenges in selecting its next manned fighter aircraft, with a recent offer from both Russia and the U.S. to acquire F-35 & Su-57 stealth fighters adding to the complexity. Simultaneously, a breakthrough in indigenous defence technology has been achieved with the successful flight test of the Sheshnaag-150, a long-range collaborative attack swarming drone developed by NewSpace Research Technologies (NRT). This system is designed for coordinated swarm attacks, capable of overwhelming enemy defences and executing precision strikes.
The Sheshnaag-150, developed by NewSpace Research Technologies (NRT), represents a significant advancement in autonomous drone technology, specifically designed for coordinated swarm attacks. This system is part of a broader family of intelligent swarming systems aimed at overwhelming enemy defences through precision strikes. With an operational range exceeding 1,000 km and an endurance of over 5 hours, the Sheshnaag-150 can loiter over target areas, providing real-time surveillance and strategic attack options. The drone’s capability to carry warheads weighing between 25-40 kg enables it to inflict substantial damage on enemy infrastructure, vehicles, or personnel.
Beyond its physical capabilities, the Sheshnaag-150’s true strength lies in its sophisticated software and electronic systems. These enable the drones to operate with minimal human intervention, autonomously identifying, tracking, and engaging enemy targets. The system supports a variety of missions, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare (EW) operations. This versatility makes the Sheshnaag-150 a valuable asset for modern warfare, capable of executing complex tasks with precision and speed.
The development of the Sheshnaag-150 marks a significant leap forward in autonomous warfare technology, offering military forces enhanced capabilities in complex combat environments. By leveraging swarm tactics and advanced AI, these drones can overwhelm adversaries, creating a force multiplier effect in critical operations. The integration of such systems into India’s defence strategy is poised to transform the way combat missions are planned and executed, ensuring readiness for future warfare challenges.
Sheshnaag-150 has over 1,000 km range with an endurance of more than 5 hours, allowing it to loiter over target areas for extended periods. The drone can carry 25-40 kg warheads, enabling significant damage to enemy infrastructure. The drone is equipped with AI systems for autonomous operations, enabling it to identify, track, and engage targets with minimal human intervention. It supports Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare (EW) operations.
In the context of border security, the Sheshnaag-150 could play a crucial role in monitoring high-altitude regions during stand-off. A swarm of these drones could be deployed to identify adversary troop movements in real-time, enabling rapid response to potential incursions. If an incursion is detected, the drones could autonomously engage enemy positions, neutralising threats before they escalate into full-scale confrontations. This capability minimises risks to Indian soldiers while maintaining a strong defensive posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
Beyond border security, the Sheshnaag-150 could be utilised for pre-emptive counter-terror operations in hostile areas. If intelligence suggests an impending terror attack, a drone swarm could be dispatched to track and eliminate high-value targets in remote hideouts. The drones could conduct coordinated strikes on terror camps, ammunition depots, or infiltration routes, effectively disrupting enemy networks. Additionally, their electronic warfare capabilities could jam enemy communications, further degrading their ability to coordinate attacks.
The integration of advanced AI-based technologies in the Sheshnaag-150 enhances its mission effectiveness, allowing for additional roles such as Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). This adaptability makes the Sheshnaag-150 a versatile asset for various strategic scenarios, including gathering critical intelligence and performing reconnaissance missions. As NRT continues to refine and enhance the capabilities of the Sheshnaag series, it is poised to become a key player in reshaping the dynamics of modern aerial combat, offering military forces enhanced capabilities in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.
The Sheshnaag-150 is poised to address the deep strike needs of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. As the Indian armed forces face conventional capability gaps and budgetary constraints, the potential for swarming systems like the Sheshnaag-150 is significant. An Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, briefed on the Sheshnaag-150 at Aero India 2025, noted that there is always a need for platforms that can create a combat mass with diverse payloads and attack options. This sentiment underscores the strategic value of the Sheshnaag-150 in modern warfare, particularly in its ability to conduct autonomous operations with minimal human intervention, enhancing the military’s operational flexibility and effectiveness.
The Sheshnaag-150 is designed for coordinated swarm attacks, allowing multiple drones to overwhelm enemy defences and execute precision strikes. With a range of over 1000 km and an endurance of over 5 hours, it can loiter over target areas, providing real-time surveillance and strategic attack options. The drone’s ability to carry 25-40 kg warheads enables it to inflict significant damage on enemy infrastructure, vehicles, or personnel, making it a formidable asset in attritable warfare.
The Sheshnaag-150 is being developed internally by the start-up and will be pitched for the certain deep strike swarm-based needs of the Army, Air Force and the Navy. The system is potentially deployable along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan for border security and counter-terror operations.
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Integration Challenges
Integrating the Sheshnaag-150 into the Indian military’s existing infrastructure poses several challenges:
- Interoperability And Integration
Ensuring seamless communication and coordination between the Sheshnaag-150 and existing military systems, such as command and control networks, sensors, and other drones, will be crucial. This requires standardising protocols and interfaces to avoid duplication and ensure interoperability. Existing bases and facilities might need upgrades to accommodate the unique requirements of the Sheshnaag-150, such as specialised maintenance and storage facilities.
- Operational Training And Doctrine
Developing comprehensive training programs for operators to effectively utilise the autonomous capabilities of the Sheshnaag-150 will be essential. This includes understanding its swarm tactics and autonomous decision-making processes. Integrating the Sheshnaag-150 into existing military doctrines will require updates to operational strategies and tactics, ensuring that its capabilities are fully leveraged in various scenarios.
- Cybersecurity And Data Management
Protecting the communication networks used by the Sheshnaag-150 from cyber threats is vital. This involves implementing robust encryption and secure data transmission protocols. Managing and integrating the vast amounts of data generated by the Sheshnaag-150’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities into existing intelligence systems will be a challenge.
- Strategic And Tactical Adaptation
Adapting existing tactical strategies to effectively utilise the Sheshnaag-150’s capabilities in various combat scenarios, such as border security and counter-terrorism operations, will be essential. Understanding the strategic implications of deploying autonomous swarming drones like the Sheshnaag-150, including potential escalations and diplomatic repercussions, is crucial for effective integration.
Addressing these challenges will be key to successfully integrating the Sheshnaag-150 into India’s military infrastructure and maximising its operational effectiveness.
The development of the Sheshnaag-150 marks a significant milestone in India’s autonomous warfare capabilities. By leveraging advanced AI-based technologies, these drones can perform Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) roles, enhancing mission effectiveness and adaptability in various strategic contexts. The integration of the Sheshnaag series into India’s defence strategy is expected to transform combat mission planning and execution, preparing the military for future warfare challenges.
Agencies
