India has achieved a historic milestone in its defence capabilities with the successful launch of its first indigenously developed combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the FWD 200B, by Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA). This breakthrough elevates India to the ranks of nations possessing advanced unmanned combat aircraft, marking a new chapter in the country’s defence self-reliance.
Success for Indian Defence After Previous Hurdles
The FWD 200B, classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), represents a significant leap forward for India’s defence technology. Its successful debut follows setbacks with international suppliers, including Turkey’s refusal to sell the Bayraktar UAV and delays in India’s acquisition of the US Predator drones. The FWD 200B, costing a fraction of what imported US drones would, is poised to strengthen India’s position in unmanned warfare.
Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder and CEO of FWDA, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, “As the world’s largest arms importer over the past five years, India has often paid exorbitant prices for foreign military technology. The successful flight of the FWD 200B is not just a victory for FWDA but a triumph for the nation.”
Key Features of the FWD 200B
The FWD 200B’s specifications stand out for a UAV of its size. It has a wingspan of 5 metres (16.4 feet), a length of 3.5 metres (12.1 feet), and a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 102 kg, with the ability to carry a payload of 30 kg. It operates at a cruising altitude of 12,000 feet and can reach up to 15,000 feet, with a cruising speed of 152 km per hour and a top speed of 250 km per hour. Its endurance is 7 hours, and it boasts a range of 800 km.
The FWD 200B can also take off from runways as short as 300 metres, adding to its operational flexibility. Equipped with optical surveillance payloads and advanced weaponry for bombing missions, the FWD 200B serves not only as a surveillance tool but as a potent combat asset for air strikes and other military operations.