In a major milestone for India’s defence sector, Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA) has officially announced the operational readiness of Kaala Bhairav—the country’s first fully indigenous, export-ready Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) autonomous combat drone. The announcement was made at an event held at The Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru.
Named after the mythological guardian of time, Kaala Bhairav represents a new era in self-reliant aerospace innovation. Designed, developed, and built entirely in India, the platform delivers up to 30 hours of endurance and a range of 3,000 kilometers, placing it among the world’s most capable unmanned systems in its class.
Following a preview of its test flight, FWDA revealed that Kaala Bhairav has secured its first international order—a $25 million deal with a South Asian country, part of a larger $30 million strategic agreement. This landmark export highlights growing global interest in Indian-built defence platforms and underscores the country’s emergence as a trusted partner in next-generation aerial warfare technology.
Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder and CEO of FWDA, emphasized the national security implications of relying on foreign systems “For years, India has operated imported platforms like the Predator and Israeli Searcher, often at the cost of strategic control—from embedded kill switches to flight data routed via foreign networks. The current geopolitical climate makes digital dependence a serious vulnerability.”
With shifting global alliances and tightening export regulations, he added, India must prioritize sovereign capability “Relying on overseas technologies during wartime could compromise operational autonomy. With Kaala Bhairav, India moves one step closer to securing full control over its critical defence systems.”
Developed as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the FWD Kaala Bhairav E2A2 (Economic & Efficient Autonomous Aircraft) sets a new benchmark in indigenous combat drone technology. It delivers advanced operational capabilities comparable to imported systems like the MQ-9 Reaper—yet at only a fraction of the cost. By offering high-end performance at one-tenth the price, the platform aims to eliminate the financial and strategic burdens associated with foreign defence procurements.
One of the standout features of Kaala Bhairav is its AI-powered swarm coordination. This technology allows multiple units to work in synchronized formations, enabling precision strikes from several angles simultaneously. The result is a highly effective strategy to neutralize enemy air defences and overwhelm critical infrastructure, positioning the system as a key asset in future battlefield scenarios.
In addition to its offensive capabilities, the aircraft features a modular design that simplifies logistics and maintenance. Its lightweight, cost-effective structure ensures rapid deployment with minimal support infrastructure—making it suitable for both frontline use and remote operations. This flexibility reduces downtime and increases mission readiness in high-stakes environments.
Scalability is another defining strength of the Kaala Bhairav platform. Whether used for long-range surveillance, targeted strikes, or persistent aerial patrols, the drone adapts to various mission profiles without needing costly modifications. This makes it a versatile tool for addressing a wide spectrum of modern warfare challenges, from traditional combat zones to asymmetric threat environments.
Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA), the company behind this innovation, has quickly positioned itself as a front-runner in India’s autonomous defence sector. Founded in 2022 by Suhas Tejaskanda, FWDA’s core mission is to reduce dependency on high-cost imports and elevate India’s standing in the global aerospace arena through homegrown, next-generation technologies.
Among its significant accomplishments, FWDA became the first private Indian firm to receive DGCA type certification for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The company also marked a major milestone with the successful test flight of the country’s first indigenous unmanned bomber, the FWD-200B, on September 3, 2024. In addition, FWDA has developed AI-powered drone systems tailored for agricultural use—showcasing a strong commitment to dual-use innovation that spans both military and civilian domains.
With a growing suite of unmanned aerial platforms, including strike drones and scalable autonomous solutions, FWDA is helping transform India from a buyer into a builder and global exporter of advanced combat drone technology. As global demand for agile, intelligent unmanned systems rises, FWDA’s innovations are positioning India as a serious contender in next-generation warfare technology. With a sharp focus on autonomy, resilience, and affordability, the company is not only contributing to India’s strategic independence but also reshaping the global UAV market.
