India introduces its first domestic UAV

India introduces its first indigenous bomber unmanned aerial vehicle, Flying Wedge Defense 200B (FWD-200B)

India’s Flying Wedge Defense and Aerospace Technologies has introduced the FWD-200B, a domestically produced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for military purposes, specifically as a high-quality bomber.

Established in 2022 by Suhas Tejaskanda, the company aims to decrease India’s dependence on expensive bomber UAV imports, promote the “Make in India” campaign, and establish India as a leading drone manufacturing and technology center, all while strengthening national security.

Flying Wedge Defense and Aerospace has obtained the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) certification for its domestic UAV technology. It has utilized drones in collaboration with the Special Protection Group (SPG) and L&T to ensure the safety of the Indian prime minister.

“For over 15 years, India’s pursuit of combat unmanned aircraft remained a distant dream, despite significant investment and repeated attempts by DRDO, with projects like Tapas and Rustom failing. Today, with the launch of the FWD-200B, India not only fulfills this dream but also joins the league of nations with advanced combat aircraft capabilities,” said Suhas Tejaskanda, Ffounder of Flying Wedge Defense and Aerospace.

The FWD-200B’s production facility will be 1114.8 square meters on 1.5 acres of land in Electronic City. The bomber aircraft, specifically designed for medium-altitude, long-endurance operations, has a payload capacity of 100 kilograms and falls under the MALE Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle category. The unmanned aerial system (UAS) carries precision airstrike weapons and optical surveillance payloads.

The FWD-200B has a maximum takeoff weight of 498 kilograms and a ground control station (GCS) range of 200 kilometers. With a maximum speed of 200 knots, or 370 kilometers per hour, this aircraft can fly continuously for 12 to 20 hours.

Social media users frequently discussed the shape of the FWD-200B and compared it to BAYKAR’s TB2 Bayraktar.

When comparing Türkiye’s flagship TB2 UAV with India’s domestic UAV, the Flying Wedge Defense 200B (FWD-200B), it’s clear that TB2’s features surpass those of the FWD-200B.

The FWD-200B has a maximum takeoff weight of 498 kilograms and a ground control station (GCS) range of 200 kilometers, whereas the TB2 has a takeoff weight of 700 kilograms and a GCS range of 300 kilometers. While the payload capacity of FWD-200B is thought to be 100 kilograms, the payload capacity of TB2 is 150 kilometers.

Additionally, while FWD-200B has the capacity to stay in the air for 12 to 20 hours, TB2 holds the record for staying in the air for 27 hours and 3 minutes.

Source: Newsroom