Ghatak Stealth Drone's Success Hinges on Kaveri Engine and AMCA Tech, Awaiting Govt Nod for Crucial Prototype Funding

India's advanced stealth drone program, known as the Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), is nearing a critical development phase but requires final approval from the Ministry of Defence to proceed.

The project, which aims to create a state-of-the-art autonomous combat aircraft, now awaits a significant funding allocation of approximately ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 crore. This investment is essential for the construction of the first operational prototypes.

The Ghatak program is being spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Its progress is closely linked to two other major Indian defence projects: the Kaveri engine and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The drone's design heavily relies on technologies developed for the AMCA, India's fifth-generation fighter jet program. This includes the use of advanced stealth materials, special radar-absorbent coatings, and sophisticated electronic systems, which will help control costs and accelerate the development timeline.

At the core of the Ghatak UCAV will be a new, domestically produced jet engine. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is developing a special variant of the Kaveri engine, known as the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE).

This engine is being specifically designed without an afterburner to produce 49 kilonewtons (kN) of dry thrust, making it highly fuel-efficient and suitable for long-duration subsonic missions.

The certification of this engine, expected by 2026, is a crucial milestone that must be met before the program can receive full clearance, which is anticipated around 2027.

Designed as a 12 to 13-tonne aircraft, the Ghatak will feature a "flying-wing" design, which lacks a distinct fuselage and tail, giving it a sleek, bat-like appearance. This shape significantly reduces its visibility to enemy radar, allowing it to penetrate heavily defended airspace.

The UCAV is envisioned as a multi-role platform capable of conducting precision strikes on ground targets like enemy air defence systems and infrastructure, as well as engaging in air-to-air combat using beyond-visual-range missiles like the indigenous Astra.

The development of the Ghatak is a cornerstone of India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) and 'Make in India' initiatives in the defence sector.

Upon entering service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), the drone will enhance national security by providing a formidable unmanned asset that can perform high-risk missions without endangering pilots.

Its successful development will also place India among a select group of nations operating advanced combat drones, such as the United States with its MQ-25 Stingray, Russia with its S-70 Okhotnik-B, and China with its GJ-11 Sharp Sword.

 

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[sanket]

Good, Ghatak will be very handy if it can carry anti-radiation like missiles to destroy SEAD/DEAD strike missions and even manned fighter jets with BVR missiles. It will be a surprise for the enemy with incorporating technologies developed for AMCA such as stealth material, radar absorbent coating, and advanced avionics, etc.

 

[Flanker]

Ghatak’s new design is very similar to 6th gen fighter designs. It should be scaled up to a manned fighter in future.

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

What is all this drama of funding and delays? HAL has almost 40,000 crore rupees in the bank left unused, and they just get interest on it. IAF, ADA, and HAL should use these internal funds and go for a prototype. After MoD clears the funding, the money can be taken back.

 

[Sandeep]

Funding will only be given once all of the indigenous technology, equipment and parts are ready to be manufactured. The crucial part is developing an indigenous engine and we should use several of the prototype engines to carry out all of the drones and weapons test.

This drone won’t have a radar which can be used to launch air to air missiles so that part of the article is wrong. This is mainly to be used as an air to surface bomber which will help us to hit targets with stealth deep into the enemy’s territory.

 

[Raj101]

Why you need government approval for everything, once you give approval for first time then why it is necessary for approval on every steps. It is time conuming and reason for delays in development Process

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

What is all this drama of funding and delays? HAL has almost 40,000 crore rupees in the bank left unused, and they just get interest on it. IAF, ADA, and HAL should use these internal funds and go for a prototype. After MoD clears the funding, the money can be taken back.

Clearance is needed from the DAC or CCS for DRDO's ADE (the development agency), not HAL. I don't think we know the production partner yet.

 

[Jai Ho]

I am waiting for the KDE. I will celebrate the day this engine is cleared for flying and gets airworthiness certification. Rest all can be achieved after engine. And I don't know what is this drama about funding!!! When Govt can distribute free money in thousands of crores to ladli behen, beti then 5k crores is peanuts.

 

[Pankajrai]

The most important thing is to get the flying certificate for the Kaveri engine derivatives. No country is willing to share this High end technology. All the top organisation must form a core group for Kaveri engine derivatives development. To have an indigenous engine is to have the key of developed world.