What is Sheshnaag-150 ?

Why in the News ?

India is developing Sheshnaag-150 swarm drone, a long-range swarm attack drone capable of flying over 1,000 km, carrying heavy payloads, and conducting coordinated strikes using artificial intelligence-driven swarm technology.

The drone is being developed by NewSpace Research and Technologies, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup specialising in AI-enabled unmanned systems and swarm robotics.

The system is expected to significantly enhance India’s long-range precision strike and autonomous warfare capabilities.

Background: Rise of Drone and Swarm Warfare

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have rapidly transformed modern warfare by enabling precision strikes, intelligence gathering, and reduced risk to human soldiers.

Recent conflicts across the world have demonstrated the increasing importance of drone swarms, where multiple autonomous drones coordinate their actions to overwhelm enemy air-defence systems.

Countries such as the United States, China, and Israel are heavily investing in AI-enabled autonomous drone technologies.

India has also accelerated indigenous drone development under initiatives such as Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing.

What is Sheshnaag-150 ?

Sheshnaag-150 swarm drone is a long-range collaborative swarm attack drone designed for deep strike missions and coordinated aerial assaults.

The system uses autonomous artificial intelligence algorithms that allow multiple drones to operate together as a coordinated swarm capable of executing saturation attacks against enemy targets.

Such technology enables drones to identify targets, coordinate flight paths, evade defences, and strike simultaneously.

Developer of the Drone

The drone is being developed by NewSpace Research and Technologies, an Indian aerospace startup based in Bengaluru.

The company focuses on:

• AI-based autonomous defence systems
• Swarm robotics
• Unmanned aerial combat technologies

Its work aligns with India’s broader push to develop indigenous defence technology ecosystems.

Key Features of Sheshnaag-150

1. Long Operational Range

The drone has an operational range of over 1,000 km, enabling deep-strike capabilities against distant targets.

Such long-range capability allows the drone to operate far beyond frontlines.

2. Heavy Payload Capacity

The drone can carry a payload of 25–40 kg, which is sufficient to damage:

• Military vehicles
• Infrastructure
• Strategic installations
• Personnel targets

This allows the drone to perform precision strike missions.

3. AI-Powered Swarm Technology

One of the most distinctive features of the system is its AI-driven swarm capability.

Multiple drones can operate together autonomously to:

• Coordinate flight paths
• Evade air defence systems
• Strike targets simultaneously

This saturation attack capability can overwhelm conventional air defence systems.

4. Long Endurance

The drone can remain airborne for over five hours, allowing it to loiter over target areas before carrying out a strike.

This improves flexibility during military operations.

5. Real-Time Surveillance and Targeting

The system is equipped with advanced capabilities such as:

• Real-time surveillance
• Autonomous target identification
• Precision strike capabilities

These features allow the drone to function as both reconnaissance and attack platform.

6. Operation in GPS-Denied Environments

The drone can operate even in GPS-jammed environments, which are common in modern electronic warfare.

It uses visual navigation systems and onboard sensors to navigate and reach targets even if satellite navigation signals are disrupted.

Significance for India’s Defence Capabilities

1. Strengthening Indigenous Defence Technology

The development of Sheshnaag-150 supports India’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported defence systems.

2. Enhancing Long-Range Strike Capability

With a range exceeding 1,000 km, the drone can conduct deep strikes against strategic targets.

3. Advancing AI-Enabled Warfare

The use of autonomous swarm intelligence represents a significant technological leap in modern warfare.

4. Improving Battlefield Surveillance

Integrated surveillance capabilities allow the drone to collect intelligence while preparing for attacks.

5. Countering Advanced Air Defence Systems

Swarm technology enables multiple drones to attack simultaneously, potentially overwhelming advanced defence systems.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite its advantages, swarm drone technology raises several challenges.

Ethical and Legal Issues

Autonomous weapons systems raise concerns regarding accountability and compliance with international humanitarian law.

Counter-Drone Technologies

Adversaries may develop advanced anti-drone systems, including electronic warfare and directed-energy weapons.

Cybersecurity Risks

AI-driven systems could be vulnerable to cyberattacks or electronic interference.

Way Forward

To maximise the benefits of swarm drone technology, India should:

• Continue investing in AI-driven defence technologies
• Develop counter-drone defence systems
• Strengthen cybersecurity measures for autonomous systems
• Expand collaboration between startups, defence agencies, and research institutions

These steps can help India build a robust and technologically advanced defence ecosystem.