India's Archer-NG MALE UAV Poised to Evolve into Multi-Role Combat Platform with Astra Mk1 BVRAAM and AESA Radar

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is reportedly working to develop a weaponized version of its Archer-NG unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), significantly expanding the drone's capabilities beyond its initial surveillance role.

This development follows a showcasing of a scaled model of the Archer-NG at the Aero India 2025 exhibition, held in Bengaluru in February.

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a DRDO laboratory, originally presented the Archer-NG as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV. The model displayed at Aero India featured a streamlined, twin-boom design powered by a single engine, highlighting its efficient aerodynamics.

Notably, the model was integrated with two Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs), hinting at a future combat role.

The Astra Mk1, already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) on fighter jets like the Su-30MKI and Tejas Mk1A, is a powerful weapon. It has a range of 80-110 kilometers and can reach speeds of Mach 4.5 (over four times the speed of sound). This makes it a formidable tool for engaging enemy aircraft.

The key upgrade for the weaponized Archer-NG will be the integration of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This advanced radar technology will serve two crucial functions.

First, it will act as a surveillance radar for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Second, it will function as a fire-control radar, guiding the Astra Mk1 missiles to their targets in air-to-air combat. AESA radars are superior to older radar types because they can track multiple targets simultaneously and are more resistant to jamming, providing crucial advantages in a combat.

This new variant will be capable of carrying two Astra Mk1 missiles. Sources indicate the UAV will be used to target aerial threats, including manned helicopters and other unmanned MALE and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) systems operated by adversaries.

The AESA radar's multi-target tracking capability will significantly improve the Archer-NG's ability to monitor the airspace and engage threats with accuracy. This addition positions the Archer-NG as a unique bridge between traditional surveillance drones and dedicated combat aircraft.

Beyond air-to-air combat, the weaponized Archer-NG is also being designed for air-to-ground missions. It is expected to carry precision-guided munitions, such as the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) or laser-guided bombs, enabling it to strike ground targets. This versatility reflects the Indian armed forces' need for platforms that can adapt to a wide range of combat situations.

While the development of the weaponized variant is underway, sources confirm that the immediate priority is to obtain certification for the non-weaponized version of the Archer-NG.

Sources indicate that trials for the weaponized version are anticipated to begin within the next three years.

 

[sanket]

That's a great concept. What payload can Archer-NG carry?

 

[Surendra Barsode]

First let the basic version of Archer NG fly as soon as possible and then make it Mark 2, 3, 4 etc. Otherwise, we will only have grand designs and scale models displayed year after year without anything concrete available.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Didn't ADE take over drone development and ADA focus on manned aircraft?

 

[beencensured]

That's a great concept. What payload can Archer-NG carry?

They say a 400 kg payload, so there is the possibility of an AESA radar and two Astra MK1s, but only after flight testing can that be proven.

 

[SK]

I think all these Radars are unnecessary, Archer-NG should be a cost-effective fixed wing UAV like Bayraktar TB2.

In our case, the next Indo-Pak battle will take place within Cities as the economic & Military disparity b/w both Nations have greatly increased.

India will just blockage Fuel & other supplies to Pakistan during Winters & destory Sino-Pak connectivity during Winters. All these long range Brahmos, Cruise Missiles & Aircraft Carriers are for this purpose.

Pakistanis will fortify their positions & stay put, they'll avoid any offensive maneuvers realizing the fuel, economic & armament limitations. They'll wait for summers to arrive so that China can intervene.

Pakistan may survive the Winters without fuel to some extent but eventually they'll battle use in their streets, making it very difficult to control Punjab & Pok but I'm pretty sure we'll easily win Tharparkar, Umerkot, Badin & Sujawal districts of Sindh.

These a Territories insure that India Gains some Territory of strategic value without getting captured in a Vietnam-Sri Lanka & Afghanistan like pro-longed war.

How these Territories are strategic => Indian gets one of the biggest Coal reserves in Tharparkar, Coastline Expansion by Sujawal & protecting majority Hindu population of Sindh that is essential for India's Civilizational heritage.

China is an entirely different Beasts against whom we can only play defensive. The area we can truly think to be offensive right now is Yadong-County.

But before we hardly both China of Pakistan, we need to sort our the Bangladesh mess & militarily the best way is to prepare the forces to annex:-
(1) Rangpur Divison
(2) St. Martin's Island

Secure the Siliguri-Corridor & fortify the positions on LAC. At the same time, work with USA to propagate the information that Pancheng Lama Gedhun has been killed by Chinese & allow Dalai-Lama to appoint a New Pancheng Lama from the existing Tibetian Population in India to keep the Lama tradition alive.

We sort out the Pakistani & Bangladeshi mess to be free to focus on China & then the West.

We can cooperate with West till the time they allow India to remain the main Player in Indian Ocean Region + South Asia & don't interfere in it's interests in South East Asia, East Africa & Middle East.

 

[Sandeep]

India should first finish manufacturing the first few drones so that its technology, capabilities and ability to carry out ISTAR missions, air to surface strikes using our own indigenous missiles and bombs can be tested properly.

Once it’s tested properly and production begins then we can look at other ways to improve our fire power. We can then install a radar which will allow us to use our BVR Astra missile to take our incoming jets and drones etc.

 

[R. Singh]

India need to ink deal with General Atomic to make MQ series of UCAVS+UAVS and with Israel to make UCAV AITAN/Heron TP for our armed forces ! We also need MQ-4 UAVs to patrol our vast IOR !