Bengaluru — The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) presented updated design details of its indigenous High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) at the International Conference on Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (ICAAV) 2026, held in Bengaluru on August 20–21. The conference was jointly organised by ADE-DRDO and the Design Division of the Aeronautical Society of India and focused on autonomous aerial vehicle technologies and applications.
The aircraft is a 6-ton-class turboprop-powered platform designed mainly for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, with provisions for strike operations. ADE has completed system analysis and feasibility studies, while an Expression of Interest (EoI) was issued in late 2025 to identify an Indian Development-cum-Production Partner.
The current design uses a single turboprop engine in a pusher configuration, an approximately 25-metre wingspan and a predominantly composite airframe. Earlier studies examined Y-tail and single-engine twin-boom configurations, with earlier all-up weight estimates of 4,800–5,700 kg. The current design has an AUW of about 5,500–6,000 kg.
The HALE RPA is designed to operate at around 40,000 feet, with the service ceiling indicated above 35,000 feet. It is expected to cruise at around 390 km/h, have an endurance of more than 25 hours, and a range exceeding 1,000 km.
The aircraft is designed to carry approximately 2,000 kg of payload, with six underwing hardpoints for precision-guided bombs and missiles. Its ISTAR payload options include EO/IR sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), ELINT, SIGINT and COMINT systems. Communication links are specified at approximately 300 km for Line-of-Sight (LOS) and 1,000 km for Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) operations.
A key feature is its Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capability. Command software will allow the aircraft to be controlled from fixed Ground Control Stations as well as manned airborne platforms, including fighter aircraft and naval multi-role helicopters. The architecture is designed to support coordinated operations involving fighters, helicopters and ships. It also includes multi-sensor data fusion and autonomous take-off and landing.
The propulsion options are centred on engines in the 900–1,500 shaft-horsepower class, including the Honeywell TPE331-10, which is in the approximately 940-horsepower class. ADE also has longer-term plans for an indigenous propulsion solution.
The development phase is planned to include five HALE RPAs and two complete ground systems, subject to Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance and subsequent certification by CEMILAC and DGAQA. DRDO will retain the design and intellectual property rights, while an industrial partner will undertake manufacturing, integration and testing.
ADE has also pursued modular contracts covering the aircraft's digital mock-up, propulsion supply and production partnership. General Atomics has been associated with the programme in a technical consultancy role on selected technologies. Separate efforts are also underway on jet-powered and stealth-oriented HALE concepts, while the turboprop configuration remains the main endurance-focused ISTAR-strike design.
The programme is intended to support India's indigenous development of HALE-class unmanned aircraft and establish an industrial base for such systems. Further progress will depend on formal project approval and finalisation of the industry partnership.
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