Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has announced the inauguration of its Centre for Autonomous Defence Research in Bengaluru, strengthening India’s efforts to advance indigenous capabilities in autonomous and unmanned defence technologies. The 25,000-square-foot facility will focus on research, design, and development of next-generation autonomous defence systems. Designed as a dedicated R&D and prototyping hub, the centre will enable rapid prototyping, system integration, internal testing, and accelerated validation of advanced technologies.
The facility will contribute to programmes including autonomous combat aircraft such as the Kaalabhairav UCAV, AI-enabled fighter jet technologies, and autonomous air-defence and interceptor systems. By integrating expertise in aerostructures, composites, propulsion systems, AI-driven autonomy software, and rapid prototyping, the centre aims to shorten development timelines from concept to demonstrator stage.
Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder and CEO of Flying Wedge Defence, stated that the initiative is intended to strengthen India’s position in high-end autonomous defence technologies. He emphasised the importance of building indigenous expertise in combat aviation autonomy and networked air-defence systems, supporting India’s transition toward becoming a source of advanced defence technologies. The centre aligns with India’s broader self-reliance and defence export objectives and is expected to facilitate collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces, strategic partners, and international defence stakeholders.
Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA), headquartered in Bengaluru, is an Indian defence-technology company specialising in AI-driven warfare systems and autonomous combat aircraft. Founded in 2022 by Suhas Tejaskanda, the company was established to reduce reliance on imported air-defence platforms and advance domestic aerospace capabilities.
FWDA became the first Indian company to obtain DGCA type certification for an indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle. It later introduced the FWD-200B unmanned bomber aircraft, which completed its maiden flight on 3 September 2024.
In August 2025, the company announced readiness of the Kaala Bhairava E2A2 programme, described as India’s first AI-powered Medium Altitude Long Endurance autonomous combat aircraft. Developed domestically, the platform is engineered for extended endurance and long-range missions, supporting precision strike, swarm coordination, and ISR operations while maintaining complete data sovereignty.
Beyond defence, the company has developed patented AI and machine learning-enabled drones for agricultural and civilian applications, reflecting its focus on dual-use innovation. Through its expanding portfolio of autonomous systems, Flying Wedge Defence aims to contribute to India’s emergence as a global centre for advanced unmanned defence technologies.
