India Achieves Milestone in Stealth Combat Drone Development
India has taken a significant step forward in its quest to develop indigenous stealth combat drones capable of firing missiles and dropping bombs. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight trial of the autonomous flying wing technology demonstrator, known as the stealth wing technology demonstrator or SWiFT, in Karnataka. With this achievement, India joins an elite club of nations that have mastered the controls for the flying wing technology. The successful demonstration of the autonomous stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) showcases the country’s technological maturity in this field.
The SWiFT prototype, featuring a complex arrowhead wing platform, was designed and developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment. The UAV’s maiden flight took place in July 2022, followed by six flight trials in various developmental configurations using two locally manufactured prototypes. These tests resulted in significant advancements in robust aerodynamic and control systems, integrated simulations, and ground control station capabilities. The avionic systems, integration, and flight operations were optimized to achieve success in the final flight configuration.
Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), Director General of the Centre for Air Power Studies, views the latest test as a vital milestone towards developing indigenous stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). He believes it will greatly enhance the armed forces’ operational capabilities and could facilitate manned-unmanned teaming of Indian Air Force platforms.
The SWiFT prototype, constructed with lightweight composite materials developed indigenously, demonstrates India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology. The composite structure incorporates health monitoring technology, showcasing India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta or self-reliance.
Furthermore, the recent successful flight test exhibited the unique capability of autonomous landing for this high-speed UAV, eliminating the need for ground radars, infrastructure, or a pilot. The UAV can take off and land from any runway with surveyed coordinates. This capability was achieved through the fusion of onboard sensor data and indigenous satellite-based augmentation using GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) receivers, enhancing the accuracy and integrity of GPS navigation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the armed forces, and the industry for their successful flight trial. Singh emphasized that indigenous development of critical technologies like these would further strengthen India’s armed forces. DRDO Chief Samir V Kamat also extended congratulations to DRDO and the teams involved in the flight trial.
In addition to the development of indigenous combat drones, the Indian armed forces are set to induct MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft systems from the United States within the next three to four years. This government-to-government deal, estimated to be worth $3 billion, will significantly enhance India’s military capabilities. The MQ-9B drones offer versatility in striking targets, intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, defensive counter air, and airborne early warning.
As part of the deal, India plans to acquire 31 drones—15 for the navy and 8 each for the army and Indian Air Force.
India’s progress in developing indigenous stealth combat drones, along with the acquisition of MQ-9B drones from the US, marks a significant advancement in the country’s military capabilities. These developments will not only strengthen national security but also promote self-reliance and enhance operational efficiency for the armed forces.
