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{{Short description|Indian autonomous combat aerial vehicle}} | |||
{{pp-extended|small=yes}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox aircraft | |||
| name = Ghatak | | name = Ghatak | ||
| image = Autonomous_Flying_wing_Tech.jpg | | logo = | ||
| caption = | | logo_size = | ||
| image = Autonomous_Flying_wing_Tech.jpg | |||
| | | alt = | ||
| | | caption = Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, a subscale version, used as a [[technology demonstrator]] for DRDO Ghatak | ||
| manufacturer = | | long_caption = | ||
| designer = [[Aeronautical Development Agency]] | | other_names = | ||
| | | aircraft_type = [[Stealth technology|Stealth]] [[UCAV|Unmanned Combat aerial Vehicle]] | ||
| | | aim = | ||
| | | outcome = | ||
| | | related = | ||
| | | national_origin = India | ||
| | | manufacturer = | ||
| | | design_group = | ||
| | | designer = {{ubl |[[Aeronautical Development Agency]] |[[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] }} | ||
| | | builder = | ||
| | | issuer = | ||
| | | status = Under development | ||
| | | owners = | ||
| primary_user = | |||
| more_users = | |||
| service = | |||
| major_applications = | |||
| proposals = | |||
| prototypes = | |||
| number_built = 2 downscale prototypes | |||
| construction_number = | |||
| civil_registration = | |||
| military_serial = | |||
| radio_code = | |||
| requirement = | |||
| aircraft_carried = | |||
| flights = | |||
| total_hours = | |||
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| construction_date = | |||
| introduction = | |||
| retired = | |||
| first_flight = 1 July 2022 (prototype) | |||
| initiated = | |||
| in_service = | |||
| last_flight = | |||
| expected = | |||
| developed_from = | |||
| variants = | |||
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| predecessors = | |||
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}} | }} | ||
'''''Ghatak''''' (<small> | '''''Ghatak''''' (pronounced<small>:</small> [[Help:IPA/Hindi|gʰɑːt̪ək]]<small>; ''lit.'' '</small>''Deadly''' in [[Sanskrit]]){{efn|from Hindi/Sanskrit 'घातक' (<small>[[IAST|romanised]]:</small> ''ghātaka'') meaning 'killer', 'deadly'}}, earlier designated as '''Indian Unmanned Strike Air Vehicle''', is an [[Autonomous aircraft|autonomous]] jet powered [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] (UCAV), being developed by [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] for the [[Indian Armed Forces]]. The design work on the UCAV is carried out by the [[Aeronautical Development Agency]] of the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]]. The UCAV's design is based on a [[flying-wing]] concept and it is powered by a [[turbofan]] engine. It is expected to have internal weapons bay capable of carrying [[missiles]], bombs and [[precision-guided munition]]s. The first flight of a scaled down prototype was carried out in July 2022, with further tests in 2023. | ||
== Design and development == | |||
=== Background and planning === | |||
In July 2010, the Indian Air Force had submitted a request for information to international suppliers for UCAVs with a low-[[Radar cross section|radar cross-section]], high service ceiling, an expected range of {{cvt|500|nmi}} and the capability to carry [[Precision-guided munition|precision-guided weapons]] in an internal weapons bay.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 July 2010 |title=India canvasses global suppliers for stealthy UCAV |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/07/344140/india-canvasses-global-suppliers-for-stealthy-ucav.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710130423/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/07/344140/india-canvasses-global-suppliers-for-stealthy-ucav.html |archive-date=10 July 2010 |access-date=12 July 2010 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref> | |||
The | The Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft project was commissioned in 2009 to carryout a feasibility study for the development of an [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] (UCAV) for the [[Indian Armed Forces]]. It was taken up by the [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) of the state-run [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO).<ref>{{cite news |title=India to develop unmanned combat aerial vehicle |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/india-to-develop-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle/story-gnfRezY6tbKLDa3mtkUdmI.html |work=[[The Hindustan Times]] |agency=IANS |date=25 November 2009 |access-date=29 December 2017 |archive-date=29 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229113001/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/india-to-develop-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle/story-gnfRezY6tbKLDa3mtkUdmI.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/india-developing-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle-76307-2010-06-09 |title=India developing unmanned combat aerial vehicle |work=[[India Today]] |date=10 June 2010 |access-date=28 January 2012 |archive-date=30 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730041845/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/100966/India/india-developing-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, a project to develop a scaled down [[technology demonstrator]] named Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT), was sanctioned at a cost of {{INRConvert|700|m|year=2016}}.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 December 2023 |title=US-made Predator delayed, how India is developing own combat drone |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/us-made-predator-delayed-how-india-is-developing-own-combat-drone-2478415-2023-12-20?utm_source=washare&utm_medium=socialicons&utm_campaign=shareurltracking |access-date=26 October 2024 |work=[[India Today]] }}</ref> The ADE was tasked with the development of this scaled down prototype,<ref name="Onm">{{cite web |last=Krishnan M |first=Anantha |date=10 January 2021 |title=ADE steps into new decade with planeloads of critical projects |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2021/01/09/ade-steps-into-new-decade-with-planeloads-of-critical-projects.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110041253/https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2021/01/09/ade-steps-into-new-decade-with-planeloads-of-critical-projects.html |archive-date=10 January 2021 |access-date=26 July 2021 |work=[[OnManorama]] }}</ref> and according to the DRDO, the SWiFT is intended to develop and demonstrate technologies for controlling the [[flying-wing]] configuration and flight characteristics at high-[[subsonic speed]]s.<ref name="Week">{{cite web |date=29 October 2021 |title=DRDO's stealth attack UAV back in focus as footage of demonstrator emerges |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/10/29/drdo-stealth-attack-uav-back-in-focus-as-footage-of-demonstrator-emerges0.html |access-date=3 July 2022 |work=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703062427/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/10/29/drdo-stealth-attack-uav-back-in-focus-as-footage-of-demonstrator-emerges0.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
== | === SWiFT protypes === | ||
[[File:DRDO SWiFT.webm|thumb|Maiden flight of SWiFT on 1 July 2022]] | |||
The flight control system and | Two prototypes were developed, with the first prototype featuring a flying-wing design with no [[tail fin]], while the second featured a [[vertical stabilizer]].<ref name="Janes"/> The ground trials of the SWiFT [[Unmanned Aerial Vehicle]] (UAV) began in June 2021.<ref name="Week" /> The [[airframe]], [[landing gear|undercarriage]], [[flight control system]], and [[avionics]] for the UAV were developed indigenously.<ref name="Hindu">{{cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=1 July 2022 |title=DRDO flight tests new autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-flight-tests-new-autonomous-flying-wing-technology-demonstrator/article65589041.ece |access-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702064235/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-flight-tests-new-autonomous-flying-wing-technology-demonstrator/article65589041.ece |archive-date=2 July 2022 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The second prototype, which was designated as the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, was tested successfully on 1 July 2022.<ref name="Janes">{{cite news |last1=Kadidal |first1=Akhil |last2=Parakala |first2=Akshara |date=4 July 2022 |title=DRDO successfully test flies flying-wing UCAV |url=https://www.janes.com/amp/drdo-successfully-test-flies-flying-wing-ucav/ZnlJK3dHVU9mZ28xajRJVkc5dVI5VFp1cVMwPQ2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124013901/https://www.janes.com/amp/drdo-successfully-test-flies-flying-wing-ucav/ZnlJK3dHVU9mZ28xajRJVkc5dVI5VFp1cVMwPQ2 |archive-date=24 November 2022 |access-date=23 November 2022 |work=[[Janes Information Services]] }}</ref><ref name="PIB">{{cite press release |title=DRDO carries out successful flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, an indigenous high-speed flying-wing UAV |date=15 December 2023 |work=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1986788 |access-date=1 June 2025 }}</ref> According to DRDO, the aircraft performed as intended while operating in a fully autonomous mode.<ref>{{cite press release |title=DRDO conducts successful maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator |date=1 July 2021 |work=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1838507 |access-date=1 June 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Alex Philip |first=Snehesh |date=1 July 2022 |title='Major milestone': India conducts maiden flight of unmanned aircraft demonstrator |url=https://theprint.in/defence/major-milestone-india-conducts-maiden-flight-of-unmanned-aircraft-demonstrator/1020170/ |access-date=3 July 2022 |work=[[ThePrint]] |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702085001/https://theprint.in/defence/major-milestone-india-conducts-maiden-flight-of-unmanned-aircraft-demonstrator/1020170/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The SWiFT UAV has an airframe made of [[carbon composite]]s, and is {{cvt|4|m}}-long and has a [[wingspan]] of {{cvt|5|m}}.<ref name="AIR">{{cite news |date=23 June 2021 |title=DRDO initiates the trials of advanced stealth SWiFT drone |url=https://newsonair.com/2021/06/23/drdo-initiates-the-trails-of-advanced-stealth-swift-drone/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830085529/https://newsonair.com/2021/06/23/drdo-initiates-the-trails-of-advanced-stealth-swift-drone/ |archive-date=30 August 2021 |access-date=30 August 2021 |work=[[All India Radio]] }}</ref><ref name="ITV">{{cite news |last=Jaiswal |first=Arushi |last2=Prasad |first2=Manish |date=15 December 2023 |title=DRDO successfully conducts flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/drdo-successfully-conducts-flight-trial-of-autonomous-flying-wing-technology-demonstrator-video-watch-2023-12-15-907461 |access-date=1 June 2024 |work=[[India TV]] }}</ref> It weighed about {{cvt|1|tonne}}, and was powered by a Russian TRDD-50MT [[turbofan]] engine, originally designed for [[cruise missiles]].<ref name="Hindu" /> The SWiFT was also intended to be a precursor to the [[unmanned]] [[wingman]] bomber program.<ref name="AIR"/> | ||
=== Developmental testing === | |||
[[File:Ghatak Scaled Down Model at ASTE.jpg|thumb|[[Air chief marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] [[Amar Preet Singh]] inspecting the scale model in 2025]] | |||
== | The DRDO subsequently conducted six developmental test flights of the UAV in 2023.<ref name="ITV"/><ref name="DRDO">{{cite report |date=10 October 2025 |title=2023-24 Annual Report |url=https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR_2023-24-new-23-9-2025.pdf |access-date=10 October 2025 |work=[[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]], [[Government of India]] |page=201}}</ref><ref name="PIB1">{{cite press release|url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1986788®=3&lang=2|title=DRDO carries out successful flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, an indigenous high-speed flying-wing UAV|date=15 December 2023|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[Press Information Bureau]]}}</ref> The seventh test flight was conducted at the [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]] in December 2023, with the final configuration. It involved an upgraded prototype with no tail fin, improved avionics and control systems, and featured an advanced [[ground control station]]. With the use of onboard sensor data and [[GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation]], the testing demonstrated autonomous landing without the requirement of ground based radars or manual control.<ref name="ITV"/><ref name="PIB1"/> According to the DRDO, the various tests were used to test high-speed automatic takeoff and landing, [[stealth aircraft|stealth]] characteristics, control of the flying wing configuration, autonomous flying, and integration of monitoring and evaluation systems.<ref name="DRDO"/> | ||
=== Project Ghatak === | === Project Ghatak === | ||
The UCAV project had been designated as project Ghatak.<ref name="Janes"/> According to a press release in 2017, an initial funding of {{INRConvert|2.31|b|year=2016}} was allocated in 2016 for the lead-in design of Project Ghatak and development of critical technologies for the Ghatak and [[Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158007|title=DRDO Projects|date=3 February 2017|work=[[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]]|via=[[Press Information Bureau]]|access-date=28 October 2019|archive-date=5 March 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260305134446/https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158007®=3&lang=2|url-status=live}}</ref> While it primarily intended for the [[Indian Air Force]], the [[Indian Navy]] also expressed interested in the project, and is keen on acquiring deck based UCAVs for [[aircraft carriers]] and [[Indian Navy amphibious vessel acquisition project|Landing Platform Docks]].<ref name="Onm"/> The Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap 2025 of the defence ministry cited the possible acquisition of up to 100 units of stealth UCAVs for the Indian Air Force and up to 50 units for the [[Indian Army]].<ref>{{cite report |title=Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap |url=https://www.mod.gov.in/dod/sites/default/files/FINAL-TPCR-2025.pdf |access-date=5 March 2026 |work=[[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] |page=122}}</ref> The acquisition of Ghatak UCAVs is also outlined in the Vision 2047 of the Indian Air Force.<ref name="BS" /><ref name="Kaveri">{{cite web |title=Kaveri engine to fly soon? Ghatak drone procurement talks bring renewed focus on India's indigenous jet engine |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/defence/2026/03/04/kaveri-engine-to-fly-soon-ghatak-drone-procurement-talks-bring-renewed-focus-on-indias-indigenous-jet-engine.html |access-date=5 March 2026 |work=[[The Week (India)|The Week]] |date=4 March 2026|last=George|first=Jose K}}</ref> | |||
On 3 March 2026, the Defence Procurement Board cleared the development phase of the Ghatak Project, and recommended the acquisition of 60 Ghatak drones, the proposal of which has to be approved by the Defence Acquisition Council led by the [[Minister of Defence (India)|defence minister]].<ref name="BS">{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Bhaswar |date=4 March 2026 |title=DRDO's Ghatak combat drone programme gathers pace; 60 units planned |url=https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/drdo-s-ghatak-combat-drone-programme-gathers-pace-60-units-planned-126030301087_1.html |access-date=5 March 2026 |work=[[Business Standard]]}}</ref> On 27 March 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the [[Minister of Defence (India)|Defence Minister]], cleared the procurement of Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft for the IAF.<ref name=":9">{{Cite press release |title=DAC clears proposals worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore to augment defence capabilities |date=2026-03-27 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2246125®=3&lang=1 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The acquisition includes four squadrons with 20 RPSA each.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2026-03-27 |title=DAC likely to clear major deals for S-400, Unmanned Combat Jets, BrahMos cruise missiles; transport aircraft today |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/dac-likely-to-clear-major-deals-for-s-400-unmanned-combat-jets-brahmos-cruise-missiles-transport-aircraft-today20260327104220/ |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==Design== | |||
[[File:Autonomous Flying Wing Technology (AFWT) Demonstrator successfully flight test from the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka on December 15, 2023.jpg|thumb|The Ghatak will feature a [[flying-wing]] design similar to the prototype (pictured)]] | |||
The | The Ghatak is an [[Autonomous aircraft|autonomous]] jet powered UCAV. The aircraft will feature a carbon composite frame with stealth characteristics and will be powered by a variant of the [[GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri|Kaveri]] [[Afterburner|afterburning]] turbofan engine.<ref name="Hindu"/><ref>{{cite news |date=30 July 2015 |title=Indigenous Kaveri engine to power Unmanned Combat Aircraft |work=[[Business Standard]] |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/indigenous-kaveri-engine-to-power-unmanned-combat-aircraft-115073001331_1.html |access-date=1 August 2015 |archive-date=29 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129043644/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/indigenous-kaveri-engine-to-power-unmanned-combat-aircraft-115073001331_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It will have a flying wing configuration, designed by the [[Aeronautical Development Agency]] (ADA).<ref name="Janes"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-indias-quest-for-high-calibre-military-uavs-is-still-in-its-infancy-2931909/|title=India’s quest for high-calibre military UAVs is still in its infancy|date=30 December 2022|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[Financial Express (India)|Financial Express]]}}</ref> It will be developed in a public–private partnership.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |title=Government set to clear Rs 3,000 crore plan to develop engine for India's first UCAV |work=[[The Economic Times]] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-set-to-clear-rs-3000-crore-plan-to-develop-engine-for-indias-first-ucav/articleshow/49775096.cms?from=mdr |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703093144/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-set-to-clear-rs-3000-crore-plan-to-develop-engine-for-indias-first-ucav/articleshow/49775096.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> The flight control system and data link packages would be developed by the ADA and [[Defence Electronics Application Laboratory]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ghosh|first1=Anirvan|title=We never had a single failure in 1,500 flights of Tejas: ADE|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/sunday-et/people--places/we-never-had-a-single-failure-in-1500-flights-of-tejas-ade/articleshow/7294743.cms|access-date=28 January 2012|work=[[The Economic Times]]|date=17 January 2011|archive-date=15 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015181003/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/sunday-et/people--places/we-never-had-a-single-failure-in-1500-flights-of-tejas-ade/articleshow/7294743.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the DRDO, the UCAV will be highly intelligent drones with on-board mission computers, [[fire control radars]], [[identification of friend or foe]], and [[collision avoidance systems]]. It would weigh less than {{cvt|15|tonnes}}, and would have a flying ceiling of {{cvt|30,000|ft|m|order=flip}}. The aircraft will have a capability to carry various missiles, bombs and [[precision guided munition]]s.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pandit|first1=Rajat|title=India quietly begins combat drone project|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/India-quietly-begins-combat-drone-project/articleshow/7941545.cms|work=[[The Economic Times]]|date=11 April 2011|access-date=29 December 2017|archive-date=29 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229112807/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/India-quietly-begins-combat-drone-project/articleshow/7941545.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
== Operators ==<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.--> | |||
{{flag|India}} | |||
* {{Air force|India}}: Four squadrons with 20 aircraft planned.<ref name="BS" /><ref name=":0" /> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
'''Related development''' | '''Related development''' | ||
* [[DRDO Rustom]] | * [[DRDO Rustom]] | ||
'''Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era''' | '''Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era''' | ||
* [[ | * [[BAE Taranis]] | ||
* [[Boeing Phantom Ray]] | |||
* [[Boeing X-45]] | * [[Boeing X-45]] | ||
* [[Dassault nEUROn]] | * [[Dassault nEUROn]] | ||
* [[Mikoyan Skat]] | * [[Mikoyan Skat]] | ||
* [[Lockheed Martin Polecat]] | |||
* [[X-47 Pegasus|Northrop Grumman X-47]] | |||
* [[Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik]] | |||
* [[TAI Anka-3]] | |||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| Line 72: | Line 112: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Unmanned aerial vehicles of DRDO}} | {{Unmanned aerial vehicles of DRDO}} | ||
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}} | {{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}} | ||
[[Category:DRDO aircraft|AURA]] | |||
[[Category: | |||
[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of India]] | [[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of India]] | ||
[[Category:Unmanned stealth aircraft]] | [[Category:Unmanned stealth aircraft]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:15, 27 March 2026
Ghatak (pronounced: gʰɑːt̪ək; lit. 'Deadly' in Sanskrit)[lower-alpha 1], earlier designated as Indian Unmanned Strike Air Vehicle, is an autonomous jet powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), being developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation for the Indian Armed Forces. The design work on the UCAV is carried out by the Aeronautical Development Agency of the Ministry of Defence. The UCAV's design is based on a flying-wing concept and it is powered by a turbofan engine. It is expected to have internal weapons bay capable of carrying missiles, bombs and precision-guided munitions. The first flight of a scaled down prototype was carried out in July 2022, with further tests in 2023.
Design and development[edit | edit source]
Background and planning[edit | edit source]
In July 2010, the Indian Air Force had submitted a request for information to international suppliers for UCAVs with a low-radar cross-section, high service ceiling, an expected range of 500 nmi (930 km; 580 mi) and the capability to carry precision-guided weapons in an internal weapons bay.[1]
The Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft project was commissioned in 2009 to carryout a feasibility study for the development of an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) for the Indian Armed Forces. It was taken up by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).[2][3] In 2016, a project to develop a scaled down technology demonstrator named Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT), was sanctioned at a cost of ₹700 million (equivalent to ₹810 million or US$11 million in 2019).[4] The ADE was tasked with the development of this scaled down prototype,[5] and according to the DRDO, the SWiFT is intended to develop and demonstrate technologies for controlling the flying-wing configuration and flight characteristics at high-subsonic speeds.[6]
SWiFT protypes[edit | edit source]
Two prototypes were developed, with the first prototype featuring a flying-wing design with no tail fin, while the second featured a vertical stabilizer.[7] The ground trials of the SWiFT Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) began in June 2021.[6] The airframe, undercarriage, flight control system, and avionics for the UAV were developed indigenously.[8] The second prototype, which was designated as the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, was tested successfully on 1 July 2022.[7][9] According to DRDO, the aircraft performed as intended while operating in a fully autonomous mode.[10][11] The SWiFT UAV has an airframe made of carbon composites, and is 4 m (13 ft)-long and has a wingspan of 5 m (16 ft).[12][13] It weighed about 1 t (1.1 tons), and was powered by a Russian TRDD-50MT turbofan engine, originally designed for cruise missiles.[8] The SWiFT was also intended to be a precursor to the unmanned wingman bomber program.[12]
Developmental testing[edit | edit source]
The DRDO subsequently conducted six developmental test flights of the UAV in 2023.[13][14][15] The seventh test flight was conducted at the Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range in December 2023, with the final configuration. It involved an upgraded prototype with no tail fin, improved avionics and control systems, and featured an advanced ground control station. With the use of onboard sensor data and GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation, the testing demonstrated autonomous landing without the requirement of ground based radars or manual control.[13][15] According to the DRDO, the various tests were used to test high-speed automatic takeoff and landing, stealth characteristics, control of the flying wing configuration, autonomous flying, and integration of monitoring and evaluation systems.[14]
Project Ghatak[edit | edit source]
The UCAV project had been designated as project Ghatak.[7] According to a press release in 2017, an initial funding of ₹2.31 billion (equivalent to ₹2.7 billion or US$37 million in 2019) was allocated in 2016 for the lead-in design of Project Ghatak and development of critical technologies for the Ghatak and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.[16] While it primarily intended for the Indian Air Force, the Indian Navy also expressed interested in the project, and is keen on acquiring deck based UCAVs for aircraft carriers and Landing Platform Docks.[5] The Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap 2025 of the defence ministry cited the possible acquisition of up to 100 units of stealth UCAVs for the Indian Air Force and up to 50 units for the Indian Army.[17] The acquisition of Ghatak UCAVs is also outlined in the Vision 2047 of the Indian Air Force.[18][19]
On 3 March 2026, the Defence Procurement Board cleared the development phase of the Ghatak Project, and recommended the acquisition of 60 Ghatak drones, the proposal of which has to be approved by the Defence Acquisition Council led by the defence minister.[18] On 27 March 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the Defence Minister, cleared the procurement of Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft for the IAF.[20] The acquisition includes four squadrons with 20 RPSA each.[21]
Design[edit | edit source]
_Demonstrator_successfully_flight_test_from_the_Aeronautical_Test_Range,_Chitradurga,_Karnataka_on_December_15,_2023.jpg)
The Ghatak is an autonomous jet powered UCAV. The aircraft will feature a carbon composite frame with stealth characteristics and will be powered by a variant of the Kaveri afterburning turbofan engine.[8][22] It will have a flying wing configuration, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).[7][23] It will be developed in a public–private partnership.[24] The flight control system and data link packages would be developed by the ADA and Defence Electronics Application Laboratory.[25] As per the DRDO, the UCAV will be highly intelligent drones with on-board mission computers, fire control radars, identification of friend or foe, and collision avoidance systems. It would weigh less than 15 t (15 long tons; 17 short tons), and would have a flying ceiling of 9,100 m (30,000 ft). The aircraft will have a capability to carry various missiles, bombs and precision guided munitions.[26]
Operators[edit | edit source]
Indian Air Force: Four squadrons with 20 aircraft planned.[18][21]
See also[edit | edit source]
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- BAE Taranis
- Boeing Phantom Ray
- Boeing X-45
- Dassault nEUROn
- Mikoyan Skat
- Lockheed Martin Polecat
- Northrop Grumman X-47
- Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik
- TAI Anka-3
Notes[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "India canvasses global suppliers for stealthy UCAV". FlightGlobal. 7 July 2010. Archived from the original on 10 July 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
- ↑ "India to develop unmanned combat aerial vehicle". The Hindustan Times. IANS. 25 November 2009. Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
- ↑ "India developing unmanned combat aerial vehicle". India Today. 10 June 2010. Archived from the original on 30 July 2010. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ↑ "US-made Predator delayed, how India is developing own combat drone". India Today. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Krishnan M, Anantha (10 January 2021). "ADE steps into new decade with planeloads of critical projects". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 10 January 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "DRDO's stealth attack UAV back in focus as footage of demonstrator emerges". The Week. 29 October 2021. Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Kadidal, Akhil; Parakala, Akshara (4 July 2022). "DRDO successfully test flies flying-wing UCAV". Janes Information Services. Archived from the original on 24 November 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Peri, Dinakar (1 July 2022). "DRDO flight tests new autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 2 July 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
- ↑ "DRDO carries out successful flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, an indigenous high-speed flying-wing UAV". Press Information Bureau (Press release). 15 December 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "DRDO conducts successful maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator". Press Information Bureau (Press release). 1 July 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ Alex Philip, Snehesh (1 July 2022). "'Major milestone': India conducts maiden flight of unmanned aircraft demonstrator". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 2 July 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "DRDO initiates the trials of advanced stealth SWiFT drone". All India Radio. 23 June 2021. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Jaiswal, Arushi; Prasad, Manish (15 December 2023). "DRDO successfully conducts flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator". India TV. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 2023-24 Annual Report (PDF). Ministry of Defence, Government of India (Report). 10 October 2025. p. 201. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 "DRDO carries out successful flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, an indigenous high-speed flying-wing UAV". Press Information Bureau (Press release). 15 December 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "DRDO Projects". Ministry of Defence (Press release). 3 February 2017. Archived from the original on 5 March 2026. Retrieved 28 October 2019 – via Press Information Bureau.
- ↑ Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (PDF). Ministry of Defence (Report). p. 122. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Kumar, Bhaswar (4 March 2026). "DRDO's Ghatak combat drone programme gathers pace; 60 units planned". Business Standard. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
- ↑ George, Jose K (4 March 2026). "Kaveri engine to fly soon? Ghatak drone procurement talks bring renewed focus on India's indigenous jet engine". The Week. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
- ↑ "DAC clears proposals worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore to augment defence capabilities" (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 27 March 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 "DAC likely to clear major deals for S-400, Unmanned Combat Jets, BrahMos cruise missiles; transport aircraft today". ANI News. 27 March 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ "Indigenous Kaveri engine to power Unmanned Combat Aircraft". Business Standard. 30 July 2015. Archived from the original on 29 November 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2015.
- ↑ "India's quest for high-calibre military UAVs is still in its infancy". Financial Express. 30 December 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ Pubby, Manu. "Government set to clear Rs 3,000 crore plan to develop engine for India's first UCAV". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ↑ Ghosh, Anirvan (17 January 2011). "We never had a single failure in 1,500 flights of Tejas: ADE". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 15 October 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ↑ Pandit, Rajat (11 April 2011). "India quietly begins combat drone project". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2017.