Jet-Powered, Low-RCS "Abhimanyu" Drone to Augment Indian Navy's MiG-29K and Rafale-M Fleets

In a significant boost to India's naval aviation capabilities, Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT) has been awarded a contract to develop the Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV). This project aims to integrate cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems with the Indian Navy's existing fleet of fighter jets, specifically the MiG-29K and the soon-to-be-inducted Rafale-M.

The N-CCAV program will be centered around NRT's "Abhimanyu" drone, a jet-powered, low Radar Cross Section (RCS) platform designed to operate as a "loyal wingman" to manned fighter aircraft. This concept involves the unmanned drone working in close collaboration with a manned fighter, acting as a force multiplier and extending the operational reach of the pilot.

The Indian Navy has committed to procuring a Minimum Purchase Quantity (MPQ) of the N-CCAV systems once they achieve operational readiness. Development of the Abhimanyu is already underway at NRT's facilities, with a focus on creating a lightweight and versatile drone capable of fulfilling a variety of mission roles.

Abhimanyu's modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration to suit different operational needs, a critical feature in modern warfare where flexibility and adaptability are paramount. Its cost-effectiveness and expendable nature mean that the Indian Navy can deploy these drones in large numbers, significantly bolstering its combat potential without risking additional pilots.

This initiative aligns with a broader trend of human-machine teaming in modern militaries, where unmanned systems are increasingly integrated with traditional platforms to enhance operational effectiveness. The N-CCAV program's open architecture also ensures that it can readily adapt to future platforms, technologies, and Concepts of Operations (ConOps), allowing the Indian Navy to remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

Compared to other similar projects like HAL's Warrior, the Abhimanyu N-CCAV is designed to be smaller and lighter, prioritizing specific mission sets:

• Enhanced Reconnaissance: Providing critical intelligence and extending the Navy's situational awareness.
• Electronic Warfare: Disrupting enemy communication networks and radar systems, gaining a tactical edge in the electronic battlespace.
• Expendable Strike: Acting as a high-speed, expendable asset for direct engagement with enemy targets.

Abhimanyu Specifications:

• All Up Weight (AUW): 300 kg
• Speed: 0.5 Mach
• Endurance: 2 hours
• Operational Radius: 600 km

The development of the Abhimanyu N-CCAV represents a significant leap forward for India's indigenous defence industry and its naval aviation capabilities. This program promises to enhance the Indian Navy's operational reach, flexibility, and combat power in the years to come.

 

[Phantom]

Would be nice if this UAV lands on the carriers, wish it comes with STOVL or VTOl version also.

 

[sanket]

Good concept, & bad time for naysayers. It will be the first of its kind, comedians can have chai samosa.

 

[Enforcer]

By the time this is inducted, Mig 29k will be retired.

 

[Pardeep]

Good thing is that this is being developed by private player and Indian Navy is very smart as compare to IAF. Hopefully it will be inducted on time.