Bengaluru-based startup Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA), a rising player in the "Make in India" initiative, has announced that Thailand is the initial international buyer for its newly rebranded Kaalbhairav Lite autonomous drone, formerly known as the FWD 100 ISR.
Founded in 2022 to reduce reliance on costly foreign imports, FWDA marks a major achievement for the nation's private aviation sector with this deal.
Previously, in February 2025, the firm had hinted at a major export agreement with an unnamed Sub-Saharan country, but Thailand has now emerged as the confirmed primary customer.
In a recent interview with NDTV, FWDA Founder and CEO Suhas Tejaskanda verified Thailand's status as the launch customer, though he noted that shipping has not yet started.
The company stated that the final delivery schedule depends entirely on finishing the required safety and airworthiness certifications.
This procedure is a standard and vital aerospace requirement, ensuring the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) meets strict international regulatory guidelines before it can be deployed or sent overseas.
FWDA already holds DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) type certifications for its other indigenous drones, positioning it well for this clearance phase.
Known previously as the FWD 100 ISR, the Kaalbhairav Lite serves as a smaller counterpart to the company’s flagship FWD 200B—India's first indigenous medium-altitude, long-endurance bomber UAV.
The Kaalbhairav Lite is built as a lightweight drone meant primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, though it can also be adapted for targeted strike missions.
The aircraft features a pusher-propeller and a twin-boom tail structure. This specific aerodynamic layout is highly efficient and leaves the front of the aircraft completely clear, allowing the integrated sensor payloads an uninterrupted line of sight.
Looking at its technical specifications, the newly rebranded drone is built with a wingspan of 4.4 meters and is capable of remaining airborne for up to 10 hours at a time.
It can fly at altitudes reaching 20,000 feet above mean sea level and covers an impressive maximum distance of 1,500 kilometers, making it ideal for both short-range tactical tasks and broader surveillance missions.
The aircraft cruises at roughly 180 kilometers per hour (50 m/s) and can accelerate up to 360 kilometers per hour (100 m/s).
Furthermore, it needs less than 150 meters of runway to take off, allowing it to operate from rough or temporary landing strips. Its structural limits of +3g to -1g provide enough agility for diverse operational needs.
FWDA proudly highlights that the Kaalbhairav Lite is a true product of domestic engineering, being designed and constructed entirely within India.
The firm has already logged roughly 120 hours of flight testing, indicating that the drone is moving past the initial prototype stage and getting closer to final regulatory approval.
While specific details about its communication arrays, exact sensor equipment, and weapon integration remain classified, the developmental progress is undeniable.
Successfully fulfilling this international contract would make the Kaalbhairav Lite one of the very first privately manufactured Indian drones to be exported.
This achievement not only underscores a rising global demand for affordable, high-quality Indian defence technology but also solidifies the country's growing reputation as a capable global supplier, provided the final certification and export compliance milestones are smoothly achieved.
