SURYASTRA LONG RANGE ROCKET LAUNCHER
Why in News?
- In January 2026, the Indian Army signed a contract to procure long-range rocket launcher systems named Suryastra.
- The deal was signed under emergency procurement powers to quickly strengthen India’s artillery strike capability.
KEY DETAILS
- The contract value is ₹293 crore.
- The agreement has been signed with NIBE Limited, a private Indian defence manufacturer.
- The project is being executed in collaboration with Israel.
- The system will be supplied to the Indian Army along with ground equipment, accessories, ammunition, and support systems.
WHAT IS SURYASTRA?
- Suryastra is India’s first Made-in-India universal multi-calibre rocket launcher.
- It is a surface-to-surface strike system designed for deep-strike missions.
- The launcher can integrate multiple types of rockets on the same platform.
STRIKE CAPABILITY & TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Capable of striking targets at 150 km and 300 km ranges.
- High precision with Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 5 metres during trials.
- Can engage multiple targets simultaneously at different ranges.
- The same launcher can also fire loitering munitions up to 100 km, increasing battlefield flexibility.
INDIGENOUS MANUFACTURING & FOREIGN COLLABORATION
- In July 2025, NIBE Limited signed a Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA) with Elbit Systems.
- This collaboration enables domestic manufacturing of advanced rocket launcher systems in India.
- It is the first time a 300 km precision rocket launcher is being produced within India.
- The project strongly supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence production.
EMERGENCY PROCUREMENT POWERS
- On December 26, 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council allowed the armed forces to use Emergency Procurement (EP) powers until January 15, 2026.
- Under EP rules:
- Defence forces can sign contracts up to ₹300 crore without further approvals.
- Deliveries must begin within six months and be completed within one year.
- The Suryastra deal falls within this special fast-track provision.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
- The system significantly enhances deep-strike artillery firepower.
- It improves the Army’s ability to hit high-value targets far inside enemy territory.
- Precision strikes reduce collateral damage while increasing deterrence.
- It strengthens India’s stand-off attack capability along sensitive borders.
LINK WITH DRDO’S ROCKET DEVELOPMENT
- Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation announced plans to manufacture new Pinaka rocket variants.
- These variants will have extended ranges of 120 km and 300 km.
- Induction of these systems is expected within three to five years, further boosting artillery strength.
CONCLUSION
- The procurement of Suryastra marks a major step in modernising India’s artillery forces.
- It combines high precision, long range, and indigenous manufacturing.
- The deal reflects India’s shift towards private sector participation and technology collaboration in defence.
Overall, it strengthens national security, self-reliance, and deterrence capability.
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