The DRDO Ghatak is an Indian stealth unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) featuring a flying-wing design, internal weapons bay, and powered by a turbofan engine.
The DRDO Ghatak is an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) under development by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Initially termed the Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA), the Ghatak features a stealthy flying-wing design to minimize radar cross-section. It is powered by a non-afterburning variant of the indigenous Kaveri turbofan engine, producing a thrust of approximately 52 kilonewtons. The UCAV is designed to operate at altitudes up to 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) and is expected to have a maximum takeoff weight of less than 15 tonnes. An internal weapons bay will enable the carriage of missiles, bombs, and precision-guided munitions, preserving its stealth characteristics. The Ghatak is intended to perform autonomous missions, with onboard sensors and systems facilitating target identification and engagement. As of July 2022, a scaled-down technology demonstrator, known as the Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT), has conducted successful flight trials, with a full-scale prototype anticipated by 2025.
History of the Development of the DRDO Ghatak
In the early 2000s, the global defense landscape witnessed a marked shift towards the development of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Nations recognized the strategic advantages of deploying UCAVs for missions that posed high risks to human pilots, such as deep penetration strikes and intelligence gathering in contested environments. The United States, for instance, advanced projects like the X-45 and X-47, while European nations collaborated on platforms like the nEUROn. Amidst this backdrop, India identified the necessity to bolster its aerial combat capabilities and reduce reliance on manned platforms for perilous missions.
The impetus for developing an indigenous UCAV stemmed from several factors. Foremost was the need to enhance the Indian Air Force’s operational flexibility and strike capabilities without endangering pilots. Additionally, possessing a homegrown UCAV would signify technological advancement and reduce dependency on foreign defense systems, aligning with India’s broader strategic objective of defense indigenization.
In 2009, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) initiated a feasibility study for an autonomous unmanned combat air vehicle, initially designated as the Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA). This project aimed to explore the potential of developing a stealthy UCAV tailored to the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) was entrusted with the design aspects, given its experience with indigenous aircraft projects.
By 2015, the project underwent a significant transformation and was rebranded as Ghatak, derived from the Sanskrit word for “deadly.” This name change reflected the UCAV’s intended combat prowess. The Ghatak project received formal sanction in 2016, with an initial allocation of ₹2.31 billion to develop critical advanced technologies pertinent to both the Ghatak and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) projects.
A pivotal component of the Ghatak’s development strategy was the creation of a scaled-down technology demonstrator, known as the Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT). The SWiFT program aimed to validate key technologies, particularly those related to the flying-wing design and autonomous flight controls. In June 2021, SWiFT commenced taxi trials, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progression. Subsequently, in July 2022, SWiFT achieved its maiden flight at the Aeronautical Test Range in Karnataka, successfully demonstrating autonomous takeoff, waypoint navigation, and landing capabilities.
The Ghatak’s development has not been without challenges. Stealth technology, advanced avionics, and autonomous systems represent complex domains requiring meticulous research and development. However, the project’s phased approach, beginning with the SWiFT demonstrator, has allowed DRDO and ADA to iteratively address technical hurdles. This methodology ensures that lessons learned from SWiFT are directly applicable to the full-scale Ghatak UCAV.
As of early 2025, the Ghatak project continues to advance, with a full-scale prototype anticipated to undergo testing by the end of the year. This progression underscores India’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its defense apparatus and achieving self-reliance in critical defense systems. The Ghatak UCAV is poised to augment the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities, offering a versatile platform capable of undertaking a spectrum of missions, from precision strikes to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
In summary, the development of the DRDO Ghatak reflects India’s strategic foresight in embracing unmanned combat systems. From its inception as the AURA project to its current status, the Ghatak embodies the nation’s pursuit of technological excellence and defense self-sufficiency. The successful milestones achieved thus far, particularly with the SWiFT demonstrator, provide a strong foundation for the realization of an operational UCAV that will significantly enhance India’s aerial combat capabilities in the years to come.
Design of the DRDO Ghatak
The DRDO Ghatak features a flying-wing design, optimizing its low radar cross-section (RCS) for stealth operations. The absence of vertical stabilizers reduces its radar signature, making it difficult to detect by enemy radar systems. The aircraft’s airframe is constructed using advanced composite materials, ensuring a balance between strength and weight reduction.
Airframe and Stealth Features
The aircraft’s aerodynamic profile follows the principles of modern UCAVs such as the Boeing X-45, Northrop Grumman X-47B, and Dassault nEUROn. It has a diamond-shaped body with swept-back wings, providing increased stability and maneuverability at high subsonic speeds. The aircraft’s top-mounted air intake channels air into the rear-mounted turbofan engine, which reduces its infrared signature.
The internal weapons bay allows the aircraft to carry munitions while maintaining a stealth profile. This design prevents the need for external pylons, which would otherwise increase radar visibility. Radar-absorbing materials (RAM) are incorporated into the skin of the airframe, further reducing its electromagnetic footprint.
Engine and Propulsion System
The Ghatak is powered by the Kaveri-derived dry turbofan engine, which is a non-afterburning version of the indigenous GTX-35VS Kaveri engine. The engine produces approximately 52 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust, or 11,690 lbf (pound-force), and is optimized for fuel efficiency and extended operational endurance.
The engine exhaust is shielded to minimize infrared emissions, reducing vulnerability to heat-seeking missiles. Additionally, serrated trailing edges and an exhaust diffuser further enhance its stealth characteristics.
Avionics and Flight Systems
The Ghatak incorporates advanced avionics, including AI-based flight control systems, allowing fully autonomous operations. It is equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and satellite communication (SATCOM) links to provide real-time data relay to ground stations.
The onboard mission computer integrates data from various sensors to conduct autonomous target detection, engagement, and mission execution. The aircraft can be remotely controlled by ground-based operators or function independently using pre-programmed flight routes and engagement protocols.
Advantages and Drawbacks
The primary advantage of the flying-wing design is its stealth capability, making the Ghatak suitable for deep penetration strike missions without detection. The internal weapons bay ensures that it maintains a low radar cross-section (RCS), critical for survivability in contested airspace.
However, the lack of traditional vertical stabilizers presents challenges in yaw control, requiring advanced flight control algorithms to maintain stability. Additionally, high-speed maneuverability is limited due to the absence of tail surfaces.
The aircraft’s operational altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) restricts it from engaging in high-altitude reconnaissance missions beyond this threshold. The engine’s thrust output is also lower compared to UCAVs such as the Northrop Grumman X-47B, which uses a more powerful Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220U engine.
Performance of the DRDO Ghatak
The DRDO Ghatak UCAV is engineered for autonomous combat operations, precision strikes, and reconnaissance missions. It integrates stealth, endurance, and weaponized capabilities, ensuring strategic battlefield effectiveness.
Engine and Thrust
The Ghatak is powered by the Kaveri dry turbofan engine, a non-afterburning variant of the GTX-35VS Kaveri. The engine produces 52 kN (11,690 lbf) of thrust, sufficient for sustained high-subsonic speeds. Its single-engine configuration ensures reliability, reduced maintenance, and fuel efficiency.
Speed and Range
- Maximum speed: Estimated at 0.8 Mach (~988 km/h or 614 mph)
- Cruise speed: Around 700 km/h (435 mph)
- Combat radius: Approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles)
- Maximum operational range: 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles)
- Endurance: 2-4 hours, depending on mission parameters and payload.
While the range is sufficient for regional operations, it is lower than competitors such as the Northrop Grumman X-47B, which exceeds 3,900 km (2,400 miles).
Operational Ceiling
- Maximum altitude: 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)
- Stealth capability: Optimized for low-altitude penetration missions while avoiding detection.
Stealth and Radar Cross-Section (RCS)
The Ghatak features a radar cross-section (RCS) below 0.1 square meters, significantly reducing enemy radar detection probability. It uses:
- Radar-absorbing materials (RAM)
- Flying-wing geometry for reduced reflectivity
- Shielded air intakes and engine exhaust
Sensor and Communication Systems
The UCAV is equipped with:
- Electro-optical targeting system
- Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for ground mapping
- Satellite communication (SATCOM) and data-link systems
- Electronic warfare (EW) suites for jamming enemy radars
Comparison with Competitors
The DRDO Ghatak competes with international UCAVs such as:
- Northrop Grumman X-47B (USA) – Faster and longer range, but Ghatak has indigenous advantages.
- Dassault nEUROn (France) – Similar stealth capabilities but lacks combat-ready deployment.
- Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B (Russia) – Heavier, with greater range, but Ghatak is designed for regional missions.
Variants of the DRDO Ghatak
1. SWiFT Technology Demonstrator
The Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) serves as a scaled-down version of the Ghatak. It is used for:
- Validating the aerodynamics of the flying-wing design
- Testing the Kaveri engine integration
- Developing autonomous flight algorithms
SWiFT conducted its first successful flight in July 2022 at the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga.
2. Full-Scale Ghatak Prototype
Expected by 2025, this will feature:
- Stealth coatings
- Full-scale Kaveri turbofan engine
- Advanced autonomous flight software
- Internal weapons bay and mission-specific payloads
Military Missions of the DRDO Ghatak
The DRDO Ghatak is designed for autonomous strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare missions. It can conduct deep penetration strikes into enemy territory, relying on stealth capabilities.
Weapons and Armament
- Internal weapons bay (to maintain stealth)
- Laser-guided bombs (LGBs)
- Air-to-ground missiles (AGMs)
- Precision-guided munitions (PGMs)
- Electronic warfare (EW) pods for jamming enemy radars
Mission Roles
- Stealth Strike Operations
- Penetrate enemy airspace undetected
- Conduct high-value target elimination
- ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance)
- Monitor enemy troop movements
- Support target acquisition for manned fighters
- Electronic Warfare (EW)
- Suppress enemy radar systems
- Support SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) missions
The DRDO Ghatak remains under development, but its full-scale prototype in 2025 will determine its effectiveness in India’s future air combat strategy.
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