Indian Army's Southern Command Develops Long-Range Surveillance Drone SOM for Enhanced ISR
The Indian Army's Southern Command, through the 21 Corps Zonal Workshop in Bhopal, has developed the SOM drone to improve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The drone features a 30km operational range, 120 minutes of endurance, and advanced imaging capabilities. Designed for various operational requirements, it can support autonomous and manual modes. The project aligns with the Army's focus on unmanned systems as critical for modern warfare, reflecting lessons learned from Operation Sindoor.

The Southern Command of the Indian Army has developed the SOM, a long-range fixed-wing surveillance drone designed for enhanced ISR capabilities. Developed by the 21 Corps Zonal Workshop in Bhopal, the drone has an operational range of 30 km and can operate at altitudes up to 2,000 meters.
It features a 120-minute endurance and can record 4K video. The SOM can adapt to various mission complexities with autonomous, tele-operated, and manual modes. It includes advanced navigation systems and withstands a temperature range of -10°C to +50°C.
The drone's development emphasizes cost-effective indigenous solutions under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with a unit cost of Rs 15.75 lakh. Trial runs confirmed its capabilities, positioning it as a vital tool for future battlefield operations.




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