India UAV Programs

[Gessler]

Engine ground run conducted on the full-scale CATS Warrior prototype. This airframe will be on display at upcoming Aero India.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1878066001654567121

I guess they're using 2 x PTAE-7 turbojets for this phase of development. The Warrior will need 2 x HTFE-25 class engines to achieve its full payload & performance envelope.

Imported engines in that class may have to do until the HTFE is ready. But till then, crucial work on developing the teaming software & flight control systems can go ahead thanks to the PTAE-7.

That little turbojet developed by HAL in the 80s has been so useful! True R&D never goes to waste!

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1881698597852373141

 

[Gessler]

- A look at all the Unmanned Aircraft programs displayed at Aero India 2025 -

Full-scale HAL CATS Warrior loyal wingman/autonomous strike aircraft:​

Current model of Warrior (with 2 x PTAE turbojets) can carry 2 x weapons internally and 2 x externally:

 

[Gessler]

NRT Abhimanyu CCA (collaborative combat aircraft aka loyal wingman), this will be launched from carriers and team up with the Navy's MiG-29K (Rafale in future):​

ADE Ghaatak IUSAV, autonomous stealth strike (model is of the subscale SWiFT prototype):​

Scaled model of the serpentine inlet duct made for SWiFT:​

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1894673104284135767

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1926595351630258600

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1931271875956453784

 

[Nilgiri]

"DRDO, in a major boost to India’s defence capabilities on Friday successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. ULPGM-V3 is an enhanced version of the ULPGM-V2 missile developed and delivered by DRDO earlier."

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1954545748986446180

Full vid:

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2007735968334536908

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2035315520929771736

 

[Low IQ Techie]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2035315520929771736

Need to make & fly full scale prototype like S-70 that too autonomously with AI a.s.a.p.
Wars happen suddenly.

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2044424095111205038

 

[Gessler]

It seems NewSpace is also working on inexpensive vertical take-off interceptor drones:

Similar in concept to some Ukrainian ones (which are now finding takers in West Asia as well):

 

[Nilgiri]

Exclusive: India set for $2-billion drone order in biggest buy, industry body says​

https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-set-2-billion-drone-order-biggest-buy-industry-body-says-2026-06-03/

 

[Gessler]

Far as I know, this is the first public look at our Harop launchers, mounted on a Tata LPTA 8x8 truck:

Enhanced version as the original is very low-res:

 

[Nilgiri]

Some slides spotted from L&T

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2065477663297552677

 

[Gessler]

Apollyon Dynamics' ADX-1 jet powered loitering munition tested:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2084145507149189352

Apollyon Dynamics | Autonomous Strike Platforms

The Nightshade ADX-1 strikes at 600 km/h. GPS-denied. Terrain-following. Built for contested airspace.

www.apollyondynamics.com

 

[Gessler]

TASL, NIBE bag ₹1,577-crore ($165 million) Army contracts for Loiter Munitions​

The Ministry of Defence on Friday (August 14, 2026) signed contracts worth ₹1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and NIBE Ltd for the Indian Army.

The procurement of 84 loiter munition systems, 840 loiter munitions and accessories will enhance the Army’s precision-strike capability at ranges of up to 100 km. The contracts, signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi, have been processed under the ‘Buy Indian’ category through the Fast Track Procedure. The procurement provides for 60% overall indigenous content, including a minimum of 50% indigenous content in materials, components and software.

TASL, the L-1 vendor, will supply 54 loiter munition systems and 540 munitions at a cost of ₹1,013.77 crore ($106 million), while NIBE, the L-2 vendor, will provide 30 systems and 300 munitions for ₹563.36 crore ($59 million).

The systems, with a range of up to 100 km, are intended to bridge a gap in the Army’s precision-strike capability. At present, the Army’s precision-strike capability beyond the 40-50 km range is largely dependent on BrahMos missiles.

A limited number of artillery regiments and batteries have already been operationalised with loiter munition systems under Phase-I, and more units are proposed to be equipped under the latest procurement. The Ministry said the acquisition would enhance the operational effectiveness of Artillery Regiments and provide a major boost to indigenous defence manufacturing and the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The equipment is scheduled to be delivered within 12 months from the date of advance payment.

TASL, NIBE bag ₹1,577-crore Army contracts for loiter munitions

TASL and NIBE secure ₹1,577 crore contracts for loiter munitions, enhancing India's Army precision-strike capabilities under the 'Buy Indian' initiative.

www.thehindu.com

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TASL's ALS-250:

NIBE's VayuAstra-1 (licensed Elbit Skystriker):