DRDO's Archer-NG Combat Drone Completes Taxi Trials, Maiden Flight Scheduled for Early August

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed low- and high-speed taxi trials of its next-generation drone, Archer-NG. The trials pave the way for the drone’s first flight, which is now scheduled for the first week of August 2025.

Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO laboratory, the Archer-NG (Next Generation) is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), designed for a mix of surveillance and precision-strike missions.

"The Archer-NG is a key step toward strengthening India's self-reliance in high-end drone warfare systems," a senior DRDO official confirmed following the successful trials.

Advanced Capabilities with Indigenous Power

At the heart of Archer-NG is a 177 HP indigenous turbocharged engine, allowing it to reach a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet, and operate for up to 29 hours. The platform boasts:

• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 1,800 kg

• Wingspan: 18.6 meters

• Maximum Speed: 225 km/h

• Weapon Payload: 300 kg across four hard points

• Range: 250 km (Line of Sight), 1,000 km (Beyond Line of Sight via SATCOM)

The use of an indigenous engine and subsystems marks a major leap in India's domestic aerospace ecosystem. The aircraft is intended to fulfill critical Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) roles in both peace and conflict scenarios.

Equipped for Modern Battlefield Requirements

The Archer-NG UAV is fitted with a broad range of electronic payloads and sensors, making it ideal for multi-domain operations. Key onboard payloads include:

• Electro-Optical/Infrared Systems: MREO, LREO

• Radar Systems: SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar), MPAR (Maritime Patrol Radar)

• Electronic Warfare (EW): ELINT and COMINT

• Situational Awareness: IFF, TCAS, Unified Communications Radio (UCR)

• Armaments: Precision-guided munitions and ISR sensors

This rich payload mix will enable persistent surveillance, high-resolution imaging, and real-time targeting, while also being capable of delivering pinpoint strikes in hostile zones.

Strategic Significance and Future Plans

The Archer-NG is expected to complement the larger TAPAS-BH-201 UAV and will play a frontline role in border monitoring, counter-terrorism, and tactical strike missions. Given its indigenous design, the platform could become a cost-effective alternative to imported systems.

According to officials, once flight trials are successfully completed, DRDO may initiate user evaluations with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, with a possible eye on naval variant development in the future.

Additionally, the drone is being seen as a strong candidate for defence exports, especially to friendly nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America seeking reliable and affordable MALE-class drones.

Archer-NG is part of the Indian government’s broader push under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), which aims to reduce dependency on foreign-origin platforms. With the successful development of this drone, India is set to join a select group of nations capable of designing, developing, and manufacturing long-endurance armed UAVs.

As the maiden flight approaches, DRDO and ADE are optimistic that Archer-NG will redefine India’s unmanned air warfare doctrine, offering unmatched endurance, precision, and battlefield adaptability—entirely powered by Indian innovation.