India's journey towards developing advanced unmanned combat aircraft has reached a significant point, as work has officially begun on the full-scale prototype of the Ghatak stealth drone.
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a key laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is spearheading this effort to create a 13-tonne Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) intended to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) pilotless strike capabilities.
While ADE has started the process of obtaining essential components for the first large-scale Ghatak model, the project's advancement heavily relies on securing formal funding approval from the Indian government.
This current phase builds upon the successful testing and validation of critical stealth and flying technologies achieved through the smaller Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) program. The SWiFT, which reportedly had its maiden flight in July 2022, served as a technology demonstrator, proving the concepts now being scaled up for the Ghatak.
The Ghatak UCAV is envisioned as a central piece of India's strategy for indigenous unmanned combat systems. Designed with a 'flying wing' shape for enhanced stealth, it aims to conduct deep penetration strike missions within heavily defended enemy airspace.
Key features include an internal weapons bay designed to carry up to 1.5 tonnes of payload, such as precision-guided bombs, while maintaining a low profile against enemy radar (low Radar Cross Section or RCS).
Powering the drone will be the indigenous Dry Kaveri engine, producing 49 kN of thrust. This engine is a non-afterburning variant specifically adapted for better fuel efficiency and a reduced heat signature, crucial characteristics for stealth operations and longer flight durations.
Building on the experience gained from the SWiFT demonstrator, ADE is currently acquiring necessary subsystems for the Ghatak prototype, including its avionics (electronic systems), flight control computers, and specialised materials designed to absorb or deflect radar signals.
However, a senior official involved in the project emphasized that while these initial procurements are underway, scaling up to the planned 13-tonne aircraft requires substantial financial backing which is yet to be sanctioned by the government. "We've started the groundwork, but the scale-up to a 13-ton platform requires significant investment," the official noted, indicating that the final funding details are still under consideration.
Regarding the specific financial requirements, ADE officials stated that exact figures are still being determined.
It is anticipated that the Ghatak program will benefit from shared technologies developed for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project – India's program to build a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Both Ghatak and AMCA involve overlapping areas like stealth materials, avionics, and potentially engine components, which could lead to cost savings through shared research and development.
Nevertheless, Ghatak possesses unique requirements, such as advanced artificial intelligence for autonomous operations and capabilities for Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T, where drones operate alongside piloted aircraft), which will necessitate dedicated funding.
"While we'll leverage AMCA's advancements, Ghatak's scale-up and specialized systems will require separate funding," an ADE source clarified.
Unofficial estimates circulating within defence analysis circles suggest a potential budget proposal in the region of ₹5,000 crores (approximately $600 million USD), aligning with earlier projections for comprehensive unmanned aerial system programs.
The formal funding proposal is currently undergoing review by a Ministry of Finance committee. Pending successful progress on the prototype by ADE, it is anticipated to be presented for approval to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), India's highest decision-making body on national security matters, potentially by mid-2025.
