Pune firm Nibe test-fires indigenous ‘Suryastra’ rockets with 300 km range
Pune: In a major boost to India’s long-range rocket artillery capabilities, Pune-based private defence manufacturer Nibe Limited successfully conducted firing trials of its indigenous Suryastra rockets on May 18 and 19.
The rockets, with strike ranges of 150 km and 300 km, were tested at the Integrated Test Range. The trials validate the system’s performance, accuracy, and reliability across both ranges. This marks the first time an Indian private defence company has demonstrated indigenous long-range rocket systems of this capability.
It represents a significant milestone in India’s defence preparedness and signals the growing role of the private sector in strategic weapons manufacturing. The Suryastra system is designed as a guided rocket artillery platform for the Indian armed forces.
A 300 km range places it in the deep-strike category, allowing forces to engage targets well beyond the front line. Company officials said the rockets were developed entirely in-house, covering propulsion, guidance, and launch systems. “The successful trials prove that Indian industry can deliver complex, long-range precision strike systems,” a Nibe spokesperson said.
The development aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in critical defence technologies. Long-range rocket artillery is considered vital for deterrence and rapid response along India’s borders. Defence analysts note that indigenous systems in the 150-300 km class reduce dependence on imports and give India more options for layered firepower alongside existing platforms.
