India's First Indigenous Bomber Drone Unveiled, A Giant Leap for 'Make in India'

Folks, a major milestone just happened in Bengaluru! Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace Technologies, a homegrown Indian company, unveiled the FWD-200B – our very own, totally made-in-India bomber drone. Yep, a bomber drone made by us, for us!

Now, these bomber drones, or Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), have been a dream for India for quite some time. We've tried in the past, but things didn't quite click. That is, until now!

Game-changing Features​

So, what sets the FWD-200B apart? Well, this baby is made to fly high and for a long time – we're talking 12-20 hours! It's designed to haul a whole bunch of surveillance gear and, get this, precision air-strike weapons – that's where the 'bomber' part comes in. It can zoom around at almost 370 km/h and gives our defence folks control even when it's 200 km away. Just imagine, an Indian-made drone keeping a watchful eye and ready to defend our skies!

Major Cost Savings and Self-Reliance: A Win-Win!​

But here's where things get really interesting – the price tag! See those imported drones like the US Predator? Each one costs a mind-boggling Rs 250 crore. Now, this Indian-made marvel, the FWD-200B, will cost just Rs 25 crores. Yep, a tenth of the price!

As Suhas Tejaskanda, the founder of Flying Wedge Defence, pointed out: “A key highlight is the massive cost reduction achieved. While an imported US Predator drone costs a staggering Rs 250 crore, the Indian-made FWD-200B will be available for just Rs 25 crores — a tenth of the cost.”

He also rightfully mentioned this isn't just about price: “This demonstrates the company’s commitment to self-reliance and positions India as a leader in cost-effective defence solutions”. Basically, we don't have to rely on those hefty imports anymore! It's a massive victory for India's "Make in India" initiative.

What Now?​

Now, the model we saw might have a bit of a homemade project look to it, but let's not get ahead of ourselves – that's just the start. We're still waiting on the juicy details about flight trials, when it'll get into action, and the final design.

But here's what's crystal clear, as Suhas Tejaskanda noted: “The FWD-200B fulfils India’s long-awaited dream of producing a combat UAV indigenously after years of failed attempts by agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).”

With this unveiling, we aren't dreaming anymore. India's journey into bomber drones has finally begun, and it looks like we're heading for a whole new era of defence capabilities!

 

[DEVESH]

I hope it is indigenous and not tagged as indigenous by some foreign collaboration.

 

[Tls Mani]

Let them conduct bombing runs on naxalites & terrorists in J&K for testing

 

[CCPSmasher]

So many drone comapnies are propping with just dummy showpieces but no actual demonstration and products like Anduril. Sounds more like easy way to earn few crores from poorly designed Atmanirbhar policiews

 

[Bhishma]

Let them conduct bombing runs on naxalites & terrorists in J&K for testing

Or you could cross over and do another Balakot

 

[Man-ju]

I hope this works well, because by the aesthetics it may easily be one for the worst looking UAV.

 

[BCharlie]

Or you could cross over and do another Balakot

Why not.. sure; if it crosses LOC.

 

[BCharlie]

So many drone comapnies are propping with just dummy showpieces but no actual demonstration and products like Anduril. Sounds more like easy way to earn few crores from poorly designed Atmanirbhar policiews

Computer Graphics are keeping our companies busy & dreaming. its okay... as dreaming is free & don't cost anything.

 

[Sandeep]

It seems that progress is being made which is good news. I really hope that it performs very well and the technology and capabilities work as they should. Although it doesn't have the long range and long flight time as other drones it can still be put to good use in local regions or high threat regions. It doesn't mention how many weapons it can carry and the type of bombs and missiles but this is a good start. They should also think about installing EW, ESM, SIGINT, COMINT, surveillance and tracking etc capabilities so we can still use the drone for other uses and not just as a bomber because the chances of using any weapons are very slim.

 

[Dranzer Gigs]

I appreciate the efforts by this company.. those who r commenting about its design, looks..guys alreast they took some initiative and tried..HAL being a primary aerospace company has not given a single uav

 

[amit suri]

Man.. school science project and the teacher decided and plans out funding scam or a sheer brilliance though chances are for first the highest