In a significant leap for India's private defence industry, NewSpace Research and Technologies unveiled the Sheshnaag 150 swarm drone at the World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh, marking New Delhi's expansion into advanced unmanned warfare capabilities beyond tactical systems.
The Sheshnaag 150 is positioned as a theatre-level loitering munition designed to strike targets over 1,000 kilometres away. Company representatives at the event described it as a system that bridges the gap between short-range drones for immediate frontline use and costly stand-off cruise missiles.
Capable of carrying a warhead between 25 and 40 kilograms, the drone is engineered to neutralize hardened or high-value fixed targets. This payload capacity underscores its role in deep-strike operations, differentiating it from lighter battlefield counterparts.
The drone features a compact delta-wing configuration optimized for internal fuel storage and stable cruising, prioritizing range and endurance over extreme manoeuvrability. While propulsion specifics remain undisclosed, its reported endurance of close to five hours points to a small-engine setup rather than battery-only power.
If operationally validated, this endurance and 1,000-kilometre range would place the Sheshnaag 150 in a rare category among loitering munitions. Early test data from NewSpace indicates a circular error probable of around five metres, offering precision typically seen in guided missiles rather than one-way attack drones.
The platform's defining feature is its autonomy, enabling sophisticated independent operations. This unveiling signals the private sector's growing prowess in strategic domains previously led by state-backed programmes, enhancing India's unmanned warfare ambitions.
