In a significant milestone for India’s aerospace and defence industry, Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) has secured the nation’s first international export order for its FWD 100 ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) autonomous aircraft. The order, placed by a Sub-Saharan nation, marks India’s emergence among leading global defence exporters, joining ranks with the USA, China, Turkey, Iran, and Israel.
The announcement was made at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, where FWDA also showcased its latest unmanned bomber featuring laser-guided weaponry and a 24-hour endurance capability. The FWD 100 ISR, a sub-variant of the FWD 200B, is the first Indian-made autonomous aircraft to secure an international contract. While the deal’s financial details remain undisclosed, the agreement includes an initial delivery of 35 units, all of which will be manufactured at FWDA’s cutting-edge facility in Electronic City, Bengaluru.
This landmark achievement underscores India’s evolving capabilities in defence manufacturing, signaling a shift from being the world’s largest arms importer over the past five years to establishing itself among the top five global exporters of military technology.
Commenting on the achievement, Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder and CEO of FWDA, stated:
“India has historically been among the world’s largest arms importers, often paying significantly higher costs for foreign military technology. This export order is a defining moment in our nation’s history, positioning us among the top global defence exporters.” He further emphasized, “This deal is not just a milestone for FWDA but a testament to India’s growing defence ecosystem. We are actively shaping the future of global military technology.”
The FWD 100 ISR is designed to redefine autonomous defense technology with its advanced capabilities. Featuring a high-precision optical payload for surveillance and intelligence operations, the UAV boasts a 6-meter wingspan, a 3.8-meter length, and a maximum takeoff weight of 90 kg. With an impressive 24-hour endurance, it is ideal for extended reconnaissance missions, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and situational awareness.
Established in 2022, Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace is India’s first company dedicated to autonomous combat aircraft (ACA) and defence components. Founded with the vision to reduce India’s dependence on costly air defence imports and strengthen Make in India, FWDA is at the forefront of combat UAV manufacturing.
The company has also pioneered AI-ML embedded drones for the agricultural sector, demonstrating expertise beyond defence applications. Notably, FWDA is the first Indian firm to receive Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) type certification for indigenous UAV technology.
The company also made history by launching India’s first unmanned bomber aircraft, the FWD-200B, which successfully completed its maiden flight on September 3, 2024—achieving what organizations like DRDO had pursued for years. With this breakthrough, FWDA is poised to make India a global hub for autonomous combat aircraft, reinforcing the nation’s growing influence in next-generation defence technology.
