Defense

The project began as CVRDE’s effort to convert BMP-II class tracked amphibious vehicles into tele-operated and autonomous platforms. According to DRDO’s Technology Focus account, CVRDE took up the “Conversion of BMP-II into Tele-operated and Autonomous Vehicle” project in 2007, later naming it MUNTRA. The programme developed technologies such as drive-by-wire control, tele-operation, perception systems, robotic manipulators, autonomous navigation, multi-sensor fusion, payload tele-operation, power management and software integration.

The most important part of the project is its ammunition manufacturing capability. Reports say the Shirdi facility includes an artillery shells plant with an annual production capacity of around five lakh shells. The unit is expected to produce 155 mm and 120 mm artillery shell hardware, tank ammunition and related systems. In a world where the Ukraine war and other modern conflicts have shown the centrality of high-volume ammunition production, such a facility has direct strategic relevance for India.

The contract covers optical lens components identified as GE SF Lens 1 and GE SF Lens 2, with execution planned through sample approval, first-lot delivery within roughly 8–10 weeks after purchase-order receipt, and phased monthly deliveries up to December 2026. The order value is listed as ₹29,83,81,230 plus applicable GST, and the award has been disclosed under SEBI’s Regulation 30 framework.

The missile is generally assessed to have a range of around 700 km, with an estimated payload capacity of about 1,000 kg. Open-source technical assessments describe Agni-I as roughly 15 metres long, around 1 metre in diameter, and solid-fuelled, making it a compact and mobile member of the Agni family. Its shorter range gives India a focused strategic option within the regional theatre, while its solid-fuel configuration supports faster readiness compared to older liquid-fuel systems.

The new plant is expected to serve as a specialised centre for the manufacture, integration and testing of advanced radar systems. Its focus will include high-end radar technologies for airborne and ground-based applications, supporting both Indian defence requirements and potential international demand. Construction is expected to be completed by April 2027, with production planned to begin soon after.

The most eye-catching part of the announcement is the claimed accuracy. NIBE stated that the rockets achieved a Circular Error Probable of 1.5 metres at 150 km and 2 metres at 300 km. In simple terms, CEP is a standard measure used to describe weapon accuracy: the smaller the figure, the tighter the expected impact grouping around the target point. If these figures are sustained across operational conditions, they would place SURYASTRA in the category of precision rocket artillery rather than traditional area-saturation rocket fire.