Archer-NG UAV Set for Maiden Flight Next Month After CEMILAC Clearance

Bengaluru, August 2025 – India’s indigenous Archer-NG unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is preparing for its first flight next month, following the expected clearance from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC). The UAV, developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), has successfully completed both low-speed and high-speed taxi trials, proving its readiness for airborne testing.

A New Era in Indian UAV Development

The Archer-NG is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone designed to perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, along with the ability to carry out precision strike roles. Built with a high degree of indigenous content, the UAV represents a major leap toward India’s goal of self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.

Key features of the Archer-NG include:

• Endurance: Up to 29 hours of continuous flight.

• Ceiling: Operational altitude of around 30,000 feet.

• Payload Capacity: Two hardpoints supporting up to 300 kg of mission equipment or weapons.

• Engine: 177-horsepower indigenous turbocharged engine.

• Weight: Approximately 1,800 kg all-up weight.

Strategic Importance

The Archer-NG fills a crucial gap between smaller tactical UAVs and larger systems like the Rustom series. It offers the ability to conduct persistent surveillance over long distances, while also being adaptable for light strike missions. Its design includes modern avionics, advanced communication systems, and provisions for integration with India’s existing command-and-control infrastructure.

Officials also emphasize that the UAV will significantly strengthen India’s capabilities in areas such as border surveillance, counter-insurgency operations, and real-time intelligence gathering—critical for both peacetime and combat scenarios.

Future Roadmap

The current Archer-NG is focused on ISR roles, but a weaponized variant is already in the pipeline, expected within the next three years. This version will carry precision-guided munitions and loitering systems, making it comparable to some of the world’s most advanced MALE UAVs.

The Indian Air Force, which has closely monitored the project, is likely to be the primary operator, though the Indian Navy has also shown interest in its long-endurance maritime surveillance potential.

With its first flight scheduled next month, the Archer-NG will mark a historic milestone for India’s indigenous UAV program. Once operational, it will not only reduce dependence on imported drones but also position India among the few nations capable of fielding advanced, weaponizable MALE platforms.