UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech

[prashantsharma]

Yes, its an impressive poster

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1890652793142206659

[img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GjzysHzbkAA ... name=small[/img

impressive .. stealthy long range !!

[prashantsharma]

Yes, its an impressive poster... if i remember correctly, there was a range of such impressive posters for drones / LMs

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1890652793142206659

[img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GjzysHzbkAA ... name=small[/img

impressive .. stealthy long range !!

[Manish_P]

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1890652793142206659

[img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GjzysHzbkAA ... name=small[/img

impressive .. stealthy long range !!

It's is small sized (see the figure for wing area). Helps for low RCS. And with a small engine making it a relatively slow mover it will need the low RCS.

It will probably also have good camo paint for day or night ops. Make it tough to spot in the sky by the AAA guns.

[uddu]

https://x.com/DRDO_India/status/1906400247452176655
DRDO
@DRDO_India
High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle currently under development by NSTL has been successfully tested in lake. During the trials vehicle dynamics was proven in both surface and submerged condition through multiple runs with perfect performance of Sonars and Communication

[rkirankr]

How can India tackle the drone import of Pakis from turkey

[rkirankr]

VIDEO: https://x.com/T_Nblty/status/1916563787341025647 ---> According to some Pakistani defence sources, the 6 C130 Hercules military transport aircraft of Turkiye landed at Islamabad, Pakistan. After the effective use of such drones in Karabakh war, new versions of Turkish swarm drones may appear in the inventory of the Pakistani army. Especially the armour-piercing variant will be very effective against conventional armies.

[ashthor]

Loiter, Strike, Repeat: Inside India’s Drone Army For The Next Border Clash

https://swarajyamag.com/defence/loiter- ... rder-clash

Cheap, agile, and expendable, drones have been used in massive numbers for everything from surveillance and artillery correction to direct strikes and even propaganda. Military planners across the world have taken note—and India is no exception.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/writetake/status/1924680954666483828 --->

SWiFT-K kamikaze warming up as India accelerates strike drone program
By Anantha Krishnan Muralidharan Nair

https://instagram.com/writetake/
https://x.com/writetake

KALADI (KERALA), 20 MAY 2025:

India’s defence research ecosystem is preparing to flight-test a new scaled-down variant of its stealth drone platform SWiFT (Stealth Wing Flying Testbed), signalling progress in the country's ambitions to field a full-fledged armed Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA). Reliable government sources have confirmed to Tarmak Media House (TMH) that the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO laboratory, is developing this new variant in partnership with Indian industry. Codenamed SWiFT-K, the platform is designed to operate at 0.6 Mach and carries kamikaze capability -- a first for India’s drone development programme. “They (ADE) have made two prototypes to prove technologies,” an official said.

High-Speed Taxi Trials (HSTT) for SWiFT-K have been completed at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Challakere near Chitradurga (Karnataka). ADE is working with an IISc incubator for airframe development, with Transfer of Technology (ToT) planned in due course. The 'K' in SWiFT-K denotes its kamikaze role. The drone is equipped with an integrated warhead and is designed to be expendable. In its final operational form, SWiFT-K will be launched from a dedicated launcher. Initial demonstration flights, however, will use conventional take-off and landing systems with a custom landing gear. Sources say that once the proof-of-concept phase concludes, SWiFT-K will transition to booster-assisted or catapult launches.

The project has been developed without formal user involvement or sanctioned funding. It is the result of rapid prototyping and indigenous R&D, with preliminary design and prototype realisation achieved in just nine months. SWiFT-K will serve primarily as a capability demonstrator for ADE’s technologies, particularly in the emerging domain of autonomous high-speed stealth drones -- seen as critical for neutralising advanced air defence systems. Post Op Sindoor, the Indian government is pushing to fast-track indigenous defence projects, with SWiFT-K among the platforms receiving priority attention.

[ernest]

https://x.com/writetake/status/1924680954666483828 --->

SWiFT-K kamikaze warming up as India accelerates strike drone program
By Anantha Krishnan Muralidharan Nair
...
India’s defence research ecosystem is preparing to flight-test a new scaled-down variant of its stealth drone platform SWiFT (Stealth Wing Flying Testbed), signalling progress in the country's ambitions to field a full-fledged armed Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA). Reliable government sources have confirmed to Tarmak Media House (TMH) that the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO laboratory, is developing this new variant in partnership with Indian industry. Codenamed SWiFT-K, the platform is designed to operate at 0.6 Mach and carries kamikaze capability -- a first for India’s drone development programme. “They (ADE) have made two prototypes to prove technologies,” an official said.

Wonderful to see this moving. It was not long ago that we jingos were discussing this as a realistic use case that needs to be put on priority.

A SWIFT version with 2xSANT AGMs can also be useful for targeting terror targets few hundred km inside pakistan- (with footage like from Op Sindoor Day-1). We have a ready platform, and we should exploit it fully, instead of waiting for future versions. Even at its size, there are a host of applications that it will be useful for

The thread on unmanned bomber is not very active, but we were discussing how we can leverage SWIFT tech for a whole family of Blended Wing Body UCAVs- from SWFIT-K to 4xKaveri Bombers.

viewtopic.php?p=2634657#p2634657

should revive this thread

This is how I imagine it to be useful as well. As part of the mission, small stealthy platforms can sneak in closer, and with decoys make it more complicated for the ADS.

If we have small EW packages for narrow range / low power applications <50kg weight, then that would enable a useful SWIFT variant. It can assist in SEAD/DEAD, sneaking in close and engaging enemy radars and other IADS equipment. Can also turn into Kamikaze role for endgame.

Smaller UAVs cannot have wide EW capabilities, but there is scope to develop newer technologies and tactics that will make them very useful for such roles.

Another small payload for it can be decoys that mimic cruise missiles / aircraft / LMs. We will have to develop a host of weapons/equipment for such platforms, which will be inevitable. Need an entire ecosystem to come up to fill in all roles viable for desi UCAVs / CATS .

Great initiative, for starting this topic. If we don't even start now, we won't have similar capability in 2040s. Hope this is taken up asap, and funding sanctioned by the time Ghatak takes its first flight. At the very least these would replace Jaguars with more capable types. We can keep iterating as we progress with engine and electronics.

Also, need to look at 4x Kaveri bomber/tanker options too. We should at least be seeing some feasibility analyses and such. Hope we are surprised in this Aero India. We can hope to have a CATS Tanker added to HAL pavilion.

We should at least evaluate 4 levels of flying wing UCAVs. Then armed forces can decide on the utility and mix and get moving on them at war footing.

1. SWIFT based UCAV powered by STFE: Already reports (unofficial) that IAF is interested in 100s of these. Can carry 2x50kg payload. Useful for recce, SEAD/DEAD, and as decoys. Can be used for anti terror and CAS with 2x ATGMs (SANT).
2. Ghatak (1xKaveri): shorter range strike. Mainly Pakistan focus.
3. BWB with 2x Kaveri: as described in the first post of the thread.
4. BWB with 4x Kaveri: Long range bomber/maritime strike/refueller.

[VinodTK]

Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor dive into the incredibly important role of Indian-made (or ‘atmanirbhar’) drones in Operation Sindoor. From tiny reconnaissance UAVs to powerful loitering munitions, Indian drone startups and major companies have transformed warfare in the subcontinent. Discover how these indigenous drones were deployed across the battlefield — from surveillance in POK to precision strikes on enemy targets — and what this means for the future of drone warfare in India and beyond. Join us as we explore cutting-edge technology, frontline combat stories, and the rising Indian drone ecosystem that’s challenging global players.

[VinodTK]

Hybrid vertical take-off UAV successfully tested at Pokhran range

Nagpur: A hybrid vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (VTOL-UAV), which can cover a 50km radius with 8 kg ammunition — developed by Nagpur's Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SDAL) — was successfully tested at the Pokhran range on Wednesday.

Named Rudrastra, this is a higher-range UAV that can penetrate deeper into enemy territory and come back to the original launch point. The current version has the capacity to hit troops and strike down armoured tanks. Sources said four players participated in the trials, and SDAL's UAV emerged successful.

The UAV has a real-time video link and can successfully return to the original launch point. The total range, including loitering at target, exceeded 170km with an estimated endurance of 1.5 hours. Parameters like vertical take-off and landing, high endurance, precision targeting, and mission flexibility were evaluated during trials, said sources part of the development. One of the significant highlights was the successful deployment of a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead, which can target enemy troops. Dropped from medium altitude, the munition executed an airburst detonation at low height. This achieved a lethal effect over a wide radius, meeting tactical effectiveness benchmarks, said a note about the trials.

The systems have been manufactured in Nagpur, and the next step would be to supply them to the army. Based on the requirement by the army, around 40 entities took part in the development. However, only four could come up with the final product for the trials.

The trials of Rudrastra follow the successful test-fire of the Bhargavastra — counter-drone system developed by SDAL held last month. This is dubbed to be the cheapest system that can bring down drone swarms with mini missiles.

SDAL makes Nagastra Loitering Munition, which can carry up to 1.5 kg of payload and was also used in Operation Sindoor. Advanced versions of Nagastra are also being made as work on manufacturing Bhargavastra has also begun, said sources.

The Rudrastra was developed at SDAL's plant in Nagpur and an internal evaluation was conducted here before taking it to Pokhran.

[Hriday]

https://x.com/FIR31415/status/192732215 ... ibpaQ&s=19

Out of 10 exceptional finalists, VECROS claimed the title as the undisputed champion at the Big 5 Global Start-up Pitch Competition in Dubai!! At VECROS, we are creating the world's most intelligent flying machines, powered by breakthrough spatial AI, serving consumer, enterprise, and government customers in India and global.
This wasn’t just a win, it was our first-ever international pitch, and we stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the most innovative startups from across the world. To come out on top, especially in a space where hardtech often gets overshadowed, feels surreal. What started as an idea in a small lab in IIT Delhi is now being recognized on global platforms. This moment isn't just ours , it belongs to every Indian deeptech founder who dares to build hardware against all odds
@VecrosTech @besta_tweets

nearly ~1.5 years back, we demonstrated GPS-denied vision-based autonomy to MoD, DG Infantry, and top defence officials!
our tech worked flawlessly,back then, it was impressive.
today, it’s indispensable!!!
In an era of EW warfare, drones can’t rely on satellites, not anymore ... they must see, think, and act independently. We're proud to be building that future at VECROS

At @VecrosTech, we are advancing "autonomy first" decentralized edge intelligence, so drones don’t just fly, they see, think and act
this is not just the future of drone warfare! it’s the future of autonomous force projection, and it’s being built in India

[VinodTK]

Hyderabad firm Raghu Vamsi Aerospace unveils India’s first jet-powered kamikaze UAV at Paris Air Show

From TELANGANA TODAY
PUBLISHED DATE - 18 JUNE 2025, 04:46 PM
Hyderabad firm Raghu Vamsi Aerospace unveils India’s first jet-powered kamikaze UAV at Paris Air Show
Hyderabad firm Raghu Vamsi Aerospace unveils India’s first jet-powered kamikaze UAV at Paris Air Show
Raghu Vamsi Aerospace unveiled a fully indigenous 40 KGF micro turbojet engine and jet-powered, fixed-wing kamikaze UAV in 55th International Paris Airshow

Hyderabad: A Hyderabad-based aerospace company has made history by unveiling a jet-powered, fixed-wing kamikaze UAV developed under its deep-tech brand ARROBOT at the 55th International Paris Air Show.

The UAV, named Astra 100, sets a new benchmark for autonomous combat drones in India. It boasts a range of 200 km and speeds of up to 450 kmph, and is powered entirely by indigenous systems, including flight control, propulsion, and telemetry. The drone has successfully completed test trials earlier this year.

“We are building the future of autonomous warfare with 100% indigenous systems. The Astra 100 proves India’s readiness to lead in this space,” the company said in a press release on Wednesday.

Marking a significant milestone in India’s aerospace journey, Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group, a leader in high-precision manufacturing, also unveiled its latest defense and propulsion technologies at the international event. Its showcase included indigenous micro turbojet engines and high-performance kamikaze drones, underscoring its expanding global footprint and commitment to India’s defense self-reliance.

To bolster its position as a global aerospace player, Raghu Vamsi recently acquired WMT Precision LLC, a 40-year-old U.S.-based aerospace manufacturing company in Syracuse, known for producing fuel nozzles for Collins, Parker, and Honeywell. This acquisition enhances Raghu Vamsi’s capabilities in critical aero engine components and provides a strong foothold in the North American market.

Earlier this year, the group also acquired PMC Group (UK), marking its entry into the oil & gas sector. PMC specializes in high-performance nickel alloy components for surface, drilling, sub-sea, and wireline operations, further broadening the company’s engineering portfolio beyond aerospace and defense.

Raghu Vamsi Aerospace unveiled a fully indigenous 40 KGF micro turbojet engine and jet-powered, fixed-wing kamikaze UAV in 55th International Paris Airshow

India’s First 40 KGF Micro Turbojet Engine Unveiled

At the Paris Air Show, Raghu Vamsi unveiled a fully indigenous 40 KGF micro turbojet engine, developed for UAVs and cruise missiles—representing a major leap in India’s propulsion capabilities. Successfully tested at the company’s Hyderabad facility in the presence of DRDO officials, this engine is part of a family of four engines (14, 19, 25, and 40 KGF), all designed and manufactured entirely in India.

“This engine represents a historic leap for Indian aerospace propulsion. It’s the culmination of years of R&D, manufacturing precision, and a bold vision for self-reliant defense technologies,” said Vamsi Vikas, Managing Director, Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group.

To support its growing product portfolio, the company is developing a state-of-the-art 250,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at Hardware Park, Hyderabad. The facility will feature specialized divisions for: high-precision machining for global OEMs, sub-assemblies for missile systems, final assembly for engines, UAVs, and unmanned ground vehicles.

Expected to be operational by early 2026, the plant will create over 1,000 high-skilled jobs, significantly boosting India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing capacity.