NEW DELHI, — Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA) unveiled a full-scale static prototype of its FWD Supreme autonomous combat aircraft in New Delhi on October 13, 2026. The company describes it as India's first indigenous AI-piloted loyal wingman concept, designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets.
The aircraft is intended for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, decoy operations and precision strikes, with AI systems enabling autonomous decision-making. Similar loyal wingman programmes are under development in the United States, Turkey and other countries.
FWD Supreme Specifications
The programme includes two variants: the Supreme Heavy, weighing 1,000–1,500 kg, and the Supreme Lite, a 250 kg technology demonstrator. The Heavy is designed in a flying-wing configuration measuring approximately 10 × 10 metres, with an internal weapons bay and a planned payload capacity of around 350 kg.
Company specifications target a cruising speed of 500–600 km/h, a maximum speed of Mach 0.8–0.85, a range exceeding 1,500 km and endurance of more than two hours. Its propulsion system is planned to deliver approximately 5 kN of thrust, with a twin-engine configuration under consideration. These figures remain design targets and have not been demonstrated in flight. The Heavy's configuration has been finalised, and detailed design work is approximately halfway complete, according to the company.
The Supreme Lite has completed taxi trials. FWDA expects its maiden flight within six to eight weeks of the October 13 unveiling, potentially in late November or December 2026. It will validate technologies for the larger aircraft while also serving as a potential standalone platform.
AI Drone Teaming and Navigation
FWDA's Mobbing Doctrine envisages teams of 15–20 AI-controlled drones operating alongside a crewed fighter. They would coordinate surveillance, electronic warfare, decoy and strike missions while sharing information and making tactical decisions.
Founder and CEO Suhas Tejaskanda said the programme aims to enable aircraft to operate with minimal human intervention. The company has indicated a target unit cost of $3–5 million.
For GPS-denied environments, the aircraft is planned to use visual odometry, which estimates movement and position from onboard camera images, alongside inertial navigation systems. Satellite communications and secure aircraft-to-aircraft networking are also planned. FWDA is working with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, on data encryption and quantum-related applications.
Indigenous Engine and Development Costs
FWDA plans to integrate the DRDO-developed Manik engine to increase domestic content. The company estimates that indigenous components could account for around 80% with the Indian engine, compared with approximately 60% if an imported engine is used. Engines from Czech manufacturer PBS are also being considered as alternatives. The Supreme Lite has been reported to have around 90% indigenous content in some company statements.
The programme's estimated development cost is $100 million, including $10 million for the Supreme Lite. FWDA has raised $7 million for the lighter aircraft programme and is seeking further private investment. It has also outlined Operation Triple Seven, an initiative involving potential international partners for development and manufacturing.
Flight Testing and Procurement Status
The October 13 display was a static, non-flying prototype, and the Supreme Heavy has not yet completed flight testing. Further work will cover technology development, systems integration, testing and certification, including engagement with the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).
A. Anbarasu, the Ministry of Defence's acquisition chief, attended the unveiling. However, no formal government procurement agreement or funding commitment was announced.
Founded in 2022, FWDA is developing the FWD Supreme alongside other Indian unmanned combat aircraft initiatives, including the DRDO's Ghatak and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's CATS Warrior. The aircraft's proposed performance and autonomous capabilities remain subject to testing and validation.
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