IAF Seeks 1.1-ton SWiFT Stealth Drone with SAR Radar and WAMI Sensors to Dominate Contested Airspace

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is accelerating the development of its SWiFT stealth UAV program, a move driven by the need for unmanned aircraft capable of operating effectively in modern, contested airspace. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards integrating advanced stealth technology into the IAF's unmanned aerial capabilities.

Recent conflicts have exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional UAVs, which are easily detected and neutralized by modern air defence systems. The SWiFT program aims to address this challenge by developing a 1.1-ton UAV with advanced stealth features, making it significantly more difficult for enemy radar to detect. This enhanced survivability will allow the SWiFT drone to operate with greater freedom in contested environments.

A key feature of the SWiFT UAV is its modular payload capacity. The drone will be able to carry a variety of sophisticated sensors and systems, including:

• Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR): Providing high-resolution ground mapping and target identification, even in adverse weather conditions.
• Wide-Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) Sensors: Enabling real-time surveillance over large areas, crucial for tracking enemy movements and identifying potential threats.
• Wide-Area Maritime Surveillance Sensors: Enhancing maritime domain awareness and monitoring activities at sea.
• Signals Intelligence Packages: For electronic warfare and intelligence gathering operations.

In addition, the SWiFT UAV will be equipped with a sensor turret housing electro-optical and infrared cameras, further enhancing its intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR) capabilities.

While many drones operate within the line-of-sight of their control centers, the SWiFT UAV is designed for extended range missions. Equipped with miniature beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite datalink systems, it can operate at significantly greater distances, expanding its operational versatility.

Beyond its reconnaissance and surveillance roles, the SWiFT UAV can be armed with up to 100 kg of GPS-guided smart munitions, with individual munitions weighing between 10 kg and 20 kg. This armament allows the UAV to conduct precision strikes against targets in contested airspace, mitigating the risks posed by enemy air defenses.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Small missiles with 20-20 KM range would be good. They can also be used in helicopters.

 

[Sudha]

Swift should be upgraded as a manned/ unmanned bomber also.

 

[Fr@nk]

Just produce it already

 

[Sandeep]

India can use the Swift drone for surveillance mainly but can hit small targets although it’s only a technology demonstrator mainly.

The main focus needs to be on developing the larger stealth UCAV Ghatak drone which will hold more weapons.

Also hopefully we can use this to develop a larger stealth bomber which we will definitely need if we want to grow and expand our power.

 

[Rational Guy]

Swift should be upgraded as a manned/ unmanned bomber also.

Manned? It's too small

 

[R. Singh]

We should make 2000 km, 3000 km and 8000 km range variants of SWIFT and GHATAK unmanned fighter jets and UCAVs ! DRDO should also start making B-21 type stealth bomber !

 

[Avatar]

Swift should be upgraded as a manned/ unmanned bomber also.

Let's first make it. Then we can make suggestions about upgrading it. Who knows how long it will take DRDO to make it and then for the IAF to induct it. I am thinking this will take at least another 6 years or longer!