In a first-of-its-kind development, India has inaugurated a 1.27-kilometer runway dedicated exclusively to testing military drones. Developed by a private aerospace company in Nagpur, the facility will cater to the growing defense needs of the Indian Armed Forces, especially in the high-tech drone segment.
The runway is tailored for testing MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drones, with capabilities suited for extended missions across hostile terrains. Additionally, the defense firm has unveiled a dedicated loitering munition test range, allowing for the testing of next-generation kamikaze drones, rockets, and smart ammunition systems.
The development underscores India’s increasing self-reliance in defense technology, and it complements the country’s broader ambition under the “Make in India” initiative for defense. Loitering munitions showcased at the launch range from 1.5 km to 100 km in range and carry payloads of 1 kg to 10 kg, making them highly versatile for various combat applications.
The Ministry of Defence has already received a proposal for the indigenous development of MALE drones, which is now under consideration. This runway not only represents a technological leap but also a shift in policy, where private entities are playing a larger role in strategic defense capabilities.