In a significant boost to India's indigenous defence capabilities, Pune-based company NIBE Limited has successfully conducted firing demonstrations of the EXTRA and Predator Hawk 'Suryastra' rockets, which have ranges of 150 km and 300 km respectively. The trials were held at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.
Successful Trials and Precision
The consecutive trials on May 18 and 19 achieved all mission objectives with exceptional precision, according to a statement from NIBE. Both rockets demonstrated highly accurate strikes during testing, with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of just 1.5 meters for the EXTRA and 2 meters for the Predator Hawk. CEP is a standard measure of missile accuracy, and achieving under 2 meters at distances up to 300 km places the Suryastra among the most accurate long-range rocket artillery systems globally. This capability allows the Indian Army to neutralize high-value targets with minimal collateral damage.
Army Procurement and Indigenous Development
The Indian Army placed a purchase order with NIBE in January 2026 under emergency procurement for the supply of the Suryastra universal rocket launcher and rockets. This reflects the Army's growing confidence in private Indian firms developing advanced weapon systems and gives a strong push to the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
Features of the Suryastra System
Suryastra is India's first indigenous, universal multi-caliber rocket launcher system, designed for precision surface-to-surface deep strikes against hostile targets. It bridges the gap between traditional field artillery and heavy ballistic missiles, providing a highly flexible, rapid-response, and cost-effective precision weapon system. Key features include:
- Modular Launcher: Can fire different types of rockets without requiring hardware changes.
- All-Terrain Tactical Truck Chassis: Enables mobility across diverse terrains.
- Shoot-and-Scoot Capability: The system can fire a salvo and immediately relocate to avoid counter-battery fire.
The successful testing and procurement order mark a milestone in India's defence manufacturing sector, showcasing the potential of private industry in contributing to national security.
