New Delhi. Given the success of drones in Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has fast-tracked the indigenous defence projects, with SWiFT-K among the platforms receiving priority attention.
India’s defence research ecosystem is about to witness the test of the new scaled-down variant of its stealth drone platform SWiFT (Stealth Wing Flying Testbed), signalling progress in the country’s ambitious plans to field a full-fledged armed Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA).
The 2-km-plus runway at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), situated near Chitradurga in Karnataka, is undergoing expansion, and several support facilities, including a wind tunnel for UAV testing, are expected to become operational within the next two years. The DRDO-run ATR, which falls under the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), has emerged as a critical testbed for India’s UAV ecosystem, involving both government agencies and private industry.
According to government sources, the Bengaluru-based ADE, a DRDO laboratory, is developing the new variant in partnership with the Indian industry and code-named SWiFT-K. The platform is designed to operate at 0.6 Mach and carries kamikaze capability – a first for India’s drone development programme. “They (ADE) have made two prototypes to prove technologies,” an official said.
The ‘K’ in SWiFT-K denotes its kamikaze role. The drone is equipped with an integrated warhead and is designed to be expendable. In its final operational form, SWiFT-K will be launched from a dedicated launcher. Once the proof-of-concept phase concludes, SWiFT-K will transition to booster-assisted or catapult launches
High-Speed Taxi Trials (HSTT) for SWiFT-K have been completed at ATR. ADE is working with an IISc incubator for airframe development, with Transfer of Technology (ToT) planned in due course.
The ‘K’ in SWiFT-K denotes its kamikaze role. The drone is equipped with an integrated warhead and is designed to be expendable. In its final operational form, SWiFT-K will be launched from a dedicated launcher. Initial demonstration flights, however, will use conventional take-off and landing systems with custom landing gear.
Sources say that once the proof-of-concept phase concludes, SWiFT-K will transition to booster-assisted or catapult launches.
The project has been developed without formal user involvement or sanctioned funding. It is the result of rapid prototyping and indigenous R&D, with preliminary design and prototype realisation achieved in just nine months.
SWiFT-K will serve primarily as a capability demonstrator for ADE’s technologies, particularly in the emerging domain of autonomous high-speed stealth drones – seen as critical for neutralising advanced air defence systems.
Despite the momentum, UAV developers report consistent setbacks due to the Airports Authority of India’s clearance protocols. Every trial requires prior approval from AAI, a process they describe as time-consuming and operationally disruptive… AAI should have no jurisdiction over strategic military ranges, says an official
Call for Urgent Reforms in Test Protocols
However, developers have called for urgent reforms in test protocols, especially after the boost in indigenous UAV activity following Operation Sindoor. The push for indigenous unmanned aerial systems is encountering problems at ATR, with multiple UAV developers raising concerns over persistent delays caused by mandatory clearance from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
A subscale High-Altitude Platform (HAP) UAV, developed by CSIR-NAL, recently achieved success in back-to-back test flights at 24,000 ft AMSL, demonstrating notable robustness and reliability. The test missions were conducted at the ATR. Now in its fourth year, HAP has attracted particular attention from the Indian Air Force. Touted as a loitering munition with stealth capabilities, the platform aims to scale 40,000 ft shortly, with an eventual goal of 70,000 ft. Its applications span both military and civilian domains, with swarming capability being a key focus for the IAF.
Yet, despite this momentum, UAV developers report consistent setbacks due to AAI’s clearance protocols. Every trial requires prior approval from AAI – a process they describe as time-consuming and operationally disruptive.
“ATR lies beneath a busy civil aviation corridor – the Bengaluru–Chennai–Bengaluru sector. Alongside DRDO and NAL, ISRO also uses the range for testing its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV),” said an official.
“ATR should be designated as a permanent exclusion zone for civil air traffic. Its surrounding airspace must be reserved solely for defence testing. The current SOPs involving repeated NOTAMs are delaying critical trials. AAI should have no jurisdiction over strategic military ranges,” the official asserted.
The improved Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target will likely fly at Mach 0.5 and possess a 300–400 km range. This variant is part of an emergency procurement drive by the MoD. Industry sources confirm that Larsen & Toubro is poised to manufacture up to 300 units, although talks with ADE are still ongoing
Abhyas HEAT’s New Variant
A new variant of the indigenously developed Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT), designed by ADE, is reportedly in the advanced stages of development. Sources indicate that this upgraded version could feature an integrated warhead, marking a significant evolution in the utility of Abhyas.
The variant is being tailored to function as a high-speed kamikaze drone, with modifications already visible in its nose cone, where a ballast system has been incorporated to accommodate the new payload.
The improved Abhyas is expected to fly at Mach 0.5 and possess a range of 300–400 km, offering a cost-effective, powerful, and easily deployable solution for future engagements. The platform is already known for its simplicity in launch and rugged design.
Industry sources confirm that Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is poised to manufacture up to 300 units, although discussions with ADE are still ongoing. “This variant is part of an emergency procurement drive by the Ministry of Defence. Technology transfer is complete,” a senior military source confirmed.
Abhyas, in its existing role, will serve as the standard aerial target for all missile firing exercises (of a specific class) in future, signifying its increasing operational maturity. The programme has advanced following ten critical flight trials, which have validated its capabilities for target simulation and offensive roles.
Once operational, Abhyas will mark yet another step in India’s expanding portfolio of low-cost, high-impact indigenous drone systems – an evolution driven by evolving battlefield demands, as demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.
