India Advances Towards Indigenous Stealth Combat Drones Development - written by Harsha varthini.B (Managing Editor, Bisjhintus News)

India has taken a significant step towards developing indigenous stealth combat drones, capable of deploying missiles and bombs, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)  successfully conducting a flight trial of the autonomous flying wing technology demonstrator. The test was carried out at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka. The system, known as the Stealth Wing Technology Demonstrator (SWiFT), achieved a milestone in mastering flying wing technology, placing India among an elite group of nations.

Designed and developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment, the UAV's maiden flight occurred in July 2022. Subsequent to this, six flight trials in various developmental configurations were conducted, leading to advancements in aerodynamics, control systems, simulation, and ground control station. The successful seventh flight in the final configuration demonstrated the country's technological maturity in autonomous stealth unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The SWiFT prototype, featuring a complex arrowhead wing platform, utilizes lightweight composite materials developed domestically. The composite structure showcases India's self-reliance in aerospace technology, emphasizing "Aatmanirbharta." Notably, the UAV demonstrated autonomous landing capabilities without the need for ground radars, infrastructure, or a pilot, allowing take-off and landing from any surveyed runway coordinates.

The use of onboard sensor data fusion, coupled with indigenous satellite-based augmentation through GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) receivers, enhances GPS navigation accuracy and integrity. The successful flight trial drew praise from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, emphasizing the strengthened capabilities of the armed forces through the indigenous development of critical technologies.

Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), Director General of the Centre for Air Power Studies, highlighted that the SWiFT prototype is a significant milestone in the development of indigenous stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). The advanced capabilities of the SWiFT prototype are expected to enhance operational capabilities and contribute to the integration of manned-unmanned teaming in the Indian Air Force.