KOLKATA, — Kolkata-based aerospace and defence technology company AvionX Aerospace has unveiled Vajra, a Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) designed as a loyal wingman drone for the Indian Navy. The platform is intended to operate alongside manned fighter aircraft, extending operational reach while reducing the exposure and workload of pilots in high-threat environments.
AI-Based Manned-Unmanned Teaming
Vajra is designed for Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and can perform air-to-air, air-to-ground and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. According to AvionX, it can provide ISR, electronic warfare support and precision-strike capabilities while operating with manned fighters.
The drone uses an AI-driven autonomous system capable of handling complex missions with limited human intervention. Its sensor-fusion system combines data from an AESA radar, EO/IR pod and onboard electronic warfare systems for navigation, target detection and engagement. AvionX lists an AI pilot decision latency of less than 10 milliseconds and an autonomous operation time of 12 to 18 hours.
Stealth and Electronic Warfare
Vajra features a low-observable airframe and radar-absorbing materials. AvionX claims these features reduce its radar cross-section by approximately 70 percent, supporting operations in anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) environments.
Its electronic warfare suite includes active jamming, chaff and flare dispensers, and electronic intelligence (ELINT). The company states that the system provides more than 90 percent counter-electronic-warfare effectiveness in A2/AD conditions.
Performance and Weapons
The platform is powered by a 25 kN turbofan engine and has a listed maximum speed of 1,255 km/h. AvionX gives it an operational range of 3,700 km, a combat radius of 1,850 km, and 12–18 hours of endurance.
Vajra is designed to carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs. The company says it can be launched from aircraft carriers as well as smaller naval vessels.
AvionX says Vajra uses domestically developed engines, avionics and sensor systems and is being developed in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The company focuses on AI-enabled unmanned systems and defence command software and lists experience in UAV research, development and test flights.
Vajra remains a development-stage naval loyal wingman concept, and the specifications currently available are based on information provided by AvionX.
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