Flying Wedge Defense becomes the first Indian company to develop an indigenous bomber, the FWD 200B, with extended mission capabilities.
Flying Wedge Defense and Aerospace (FWDA), founded in 2022 in Bangalore, has achieved a major breakthrough by becoming the first Indian company to develop an indigenous manned bomber, the FWD 200B. This bomber has been designed to perform extended missions with a range of seven hours and a radius of action of 800 km, while carrying a maximum load of 102 kg. Its maximum speed of 250 km/h** and its ability to take off from a runway of just 300 metres** make it a powerful and versatile aircraft for the Indian defence sector. The FWD 200B represents a more affordable alternative to foreign models, costing around INR 150 crores** (around €17.7 million), which is INR 100 crores less than its American competitors.
Flying Wedge Defense: a new era for the Indian aerospace industry
Bangalore-based Flying Wedge Defense and Aerospace (FWDA) marks a decisive turning point in the history of the Indian defence industry. Founded in 2022 by Suhas Tejaskand, the company’s mission is to make India self-sufficient in defence technologies. It recently unveiled the FWD 200B, the first manned bomber to be designed and manufactured locally in India.
The development of the FWD 200B is part of a wider drive to reduce India’s dependence on defence equipment imports. This approach is aligned with the “Make in India ’ initiative, which aims to strengthen local production in several strategic sectors, including aerospace and defence. The company’s success demonstrates India’s ability to develop advanced technologies while improving its local infrastructure. FWDA, with its 150 to 200 employees and a 1.5 hectare factory in Bengaluru, is expanding rapidly and positioning India as a key player on the international defence scene.
The fact that Flying Wedge has obtained DGCA type certification** for its UAV technologies also confirms its commitment to quality and safety standards, reinforcing the credibility of its products in the market.
The FWD 200B: technical features and benefits
The FWD 200B is a revolutionary aircraft for India, combining advanced technologies and a robust design for military missions. This manned bomber has a length of 3.5 metres and a wingspan of 5 metres, compact dimensions that allow great manoeuvrability. It is capable of carrying a maximum load of 102 kg in flight, with a typical payload capacity of 30 kg, making it ideal for targeted attack or light transport missions in conflict zones.
The aircraft is powered by an engine that enables it to reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h, and it can take off using a runway just 300 metres long, a particularly useful feature for operations in difficult or remote environments. Its flexible design allows the FWD 200B to operate for both military and support missions.
With a range of seven hours and a range of 800 km, this aircraft is optimised for long-duration missions, without the need for frequent refuelling. These extensive capabilities make it one of the best options for operations requiring prolonged air cover. Compared with similar aircraft on the international market, which cost around INR 250 crores (almost €30 million), the FWD 200B is offered at a much more competitive price of INR 150 crores (around €17.7 million), making it more affordable for armed forces looking to modernise their fleets without exceeding their budgets.
A turning point in the Indian defence industry
The creation of the FWD 200B represents a major milestone for the Indian defence industry. By becoming the first indigenous bomber manufacturer, Flying Wedge Defense is proving that India is capable of developing cutting-edge defence technologies to rival the established global players. This is part of a national strategy to reduce dependence on imports of military equipment and encourage local production, in line with the ‘Make in India’ policy.
FWDA’s ability to produce aircraft such as the FWD 200B also strengthens national defence sovereignty. In a tense geopolitical context, where India is seeking to strengthen its borders and prepare for potential conflicts, having domestic defence technology is a crucial strategic asset. This enables the Indian Army to deploy reliable and rapidly available aircraft, while avoiding the delays and constraints associated with international supply chains.
In addition, the development of the FWD 200B demonstrates the rapid growth of the Indian technology industry. By investing in local infrastructure and attracting technical talent, companies like Flying Wedge are contributing to the creation of skilled jobs and the growth of the national defence ecosystem.
Future prospects and innovations for Flying Wedge Defense
In addition to the development of the FWD 200B, Flying Wedge Defense has a diversified portfolio of products in the defence, security and even agricultural sectors. Its flagship products include Trinetra, a surveillance drone, Narakayan, a combat aircraft, and Rudra, a fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone. These innovations testify to the company’s versatility and its ability to respond to the varied needs of the market, from national defence to precision agriculture.
One of FWDA’s particularly innovative products is the FWD10** agricultural drone, which enables farmers to locate their fields via a mobile app and spray products on their crops with precision, simply at the click of a button. This innovative approach demonstrates the company’s ability to use cutting-edge technology for civic applications outside the military.
With continued investment in research and development (R&D), Flying Wedge Defense could well position itself as a technology leader not only in India but also on the world market. The success of the FWD 200B could pave the way for the export of Indian military technologies, reinforcing the country’s status as a producer and exporter of cutting-edge defence equipment.
Flying Wedge, a key player in India’s technological independence
The introduction of the FWD 200B by Flying Wedge Defense marks an important milestone in the modernisation of India’s defence capabilities. By developing an indigenous bomber with competitive capabilities at a more affordable price, the company is demonstrating its commitment to strengthening the country’s technological sovereignty. With innovations in various sectors ranging from defence to agriculture, Flying Wedge shows considerable growth potential and could well become a key player in the international market.
As India looks to modernise its armed forces while reducing its dependence on imports, companies like FWDA will be crucial in achieving this goal. The FWD 200B is just the beginning of a series of innovations that will position India as a key player in the defence and aerospace sector.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.