Indian defense startup Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace, headquartered in Bengaluru, has unveiled the country’s first MALE-class autonomous combat aircraft. The new system, called FWD Kaal Bhairava, integrates AI-based features and boasts an endurance of 30 hours along with a maximum range of 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles).
Developed to perform surveillance missions, strike operations, and swarm tactics, the drone highlights India’s push for indigenous defense capabilities. With 80 percent locally produced parts, the platform secures a robust domestic supply chain, ensuring independence from external restrictions.
The firm is also investing in an indigenous MRO infrastructure, supporting faster servicing cycles, dependable spare part availability, and reduced long-term operational costs. This effort is expected to enhance the sustainability of India’s unmanned systems.
In addition, Flying Wedge is advancing other indigenous programs, including a 100 km loitering munition and an unmanned bomber with a planned 800 km operational reach, expanding its footprint in the unmanned aerial combat domain.
