On November 29-30, 2025, the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) in Bengaluru entered into a strategic partnership with Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd (SDAL) to co-develop an indigenous 150 kg class loitering munition UAV (LM-UAV) capable of reaching targets over 900 km away with an endurance of 6 to 9 hours. This initiative utilizes a home-developed 30hp Wankel engine that has received certification for aircraft integration and flight testing, with plans for additional higher-powered engines underway. The loitering munition is designed for enhanced stealth and effectiveness in GPS-denied environments, equipped with AI-enabled electro-optical and infrared payloads for superior detection and intelligence capabilities. This project exemplifies the Indian government’s focus on Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense technologies, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s asymmetric warfare capabilities while reducing dependency on foreign imports. The collaboration underscores a transformative approach within India’s defense landscape, emphasizing public-private partnerships and the progressive development of sophisticated military UAV systems tailored to meet modern operational demands.