Exclusive: India's Stealth Drone Ghatak in action amid rising tensions with China - Watch Video

Friday, October 29, 2021 | Chimniii Desk

Key Points

Indian government is allegedly investing heavily in the project, which will almost certainly include a deck-based UCAV derivative for the Indian Navy.
Between 2024 and 2025, a full-scale prototype is expected to be unveiled.
This year, during a live demonstration held during Army Day 2021, the Indian Army successfully exhibited a swarm of 75 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) that automatically identified targets and eliminated them in a kamikaze type strike.
New Delhi has also increased the number of HAROPs in its fleet, which now numbers 164 of the Israeli kamikaze drones, according to reports.
The Indian armed forces are considering inducting 30 MQ-9B Reaper or Predator B unmanned aerial vehicles (UCAVs) as part of a $3 billion tri-services contract after being impressed with their performance.

CAD design of Ghatak UCAV during initail phase

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are, of course, a vital aspect of 21st-century combat. This trend has continued throughout this decade's battles. However, its role as a decisive weapon of war was established during last year's combat in Nagorno-Karabakh, where drones dominated the battlefield.

Non-state actors have also begun acquiring UAVs. The drone attack on India's Jammu air force base earlier this year exemplifies the devastation that terrorists may inflict with the assistance of UAVs. The Indian Army chief has emphasised the gravity of the threat and the importance of bolstering India's drone capability.

India's Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle

Ghatak UCAV at IIT-K Aeromodelling laboratory during initial phase of design

During a recent testing, a subscale demonstrator for India's stealthy Ghatak stealth drone was observed. Recently, a video and photographs of the demonstrator known as the Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) appeared.

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing the Ghatak drone, although specifics about it remain highly confidential. This year, the Ghatak project was elevated to flagship status.

Indian government is allegedly investing heavily in the project, which will almost certainly include a deck-based UCAV derivative for the Indian Navy. Between 2024 and 2025, a full-scale prototype is expected to be unveiled.

SwiFT Taxi Trial Video

Video credit: Reach Defence

The video stated that taxi trials for the SWiFT were conducted at the Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, probably towards the middle of August this year, according to the video. Neither the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) nor the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) have published any statements in response to this development.

This year, during a live demonstration held during Army Day 2021, the Indian Army successfully exhibited a swarm of 75 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) that automatically identified targets and eliminated them in a kamikaze type strike. A significant step forward in India's pursuit of the 1,000 swarm drone target.

Global military observers applauded the breakthrough, but pointed out that it was merely a demonstration and not an operational achievement of any significance. New Delhi has also increased the number of HAROPs in its fleet, which now numbers 164 of the Israeli kamikaze drones, according to reports.

Indian Army drone In January 2021, Indian Amry demonstrated swarm drones. (Twitter)

Under the terms of an emergency procurement lease, India acquired two General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuards from the United States. The Indian armed forces are considering inducting 30 MQ-9B Reaper or Predator B unmanned aerial vehicles (UCAVs) as part of a $3 billion tri-services contract after being impressed with their performance.

Because Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with General Atomics CEO Vivek Lall on his recent visit to the United States, the agreement is expected to be completed soon after.

“China has followed the predictable pattern of buying or stealing technologies from other countries. Pakistan too has deployed UAVs, mostly imported designs. India operates imported UAVs from Israel and the US in limited quantities,” Defence Analyst said.

Rustom 2 UAV India's Rustom 2 unmanned aerial vehicle (via Twitter)