India Advances Ghatak Stealth Drone with Full-Scale Prototype, But Funding Holds the Key

India's quest to develop an indigenous Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) has entered a crucial stage as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated work on the full-scale prototype of the Ghatak stealth drone. This 13-tonne flying-wing platform is envisioned to significantly boost the Indian Air Force's (IAF) autonomous strike capabilities. However, the program’s success now hinges on securing formal financial approval from the Indian government.

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a leading DRDO laboratory, has begun acquiring key components for the Ghatak prototype. This marks a natural progression from the successful flight trials of the smaller Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT), which demonstrated core stealth and flight technologies in July 2022. SWiFT was instrumental in validating concepts such as low Radar Cross Section (RCS) shaping, internal weapons bays, and advanced flight control algorithms—features that will now be scaled up for the full-size Ghatak UCAV.

A Technological Leap in India's Drone Warfare

The Ghatak drone is designed for deep-penetration strike missions in highly contested airspace. Its flying-wing design minimizes radar visibility, making it ideal for high-risk operations. It will feature an internal weapons bay capable of carrying up to 1.5 tonnes of munitions, such as precision-guided bombs.

One of the key highlights of the program is the indigenous Dry Kaveri engine, a non-afterburning turbofan generating 49 kN of thrust. This engine variant has been optimized for stealth by reducing infrared emissions, ensuring lower heat signatures, and improving fuel efficiency for extended flight endurance. While the Kaveri engine project has faced delays, its adaptation for Ghatak represents a renewed push for indigenous propulsion technology.

Building on the SWiFT demonstrator’s data, ADE is also working on advanced avionics, sensor fusion systems, and next-generation flight control algorithms tailored for a high-speed, high-maneuverability stealth drone. Specialized radar-absorbing materials (RAM) and electronic warfare capabilities are expected to be integral to Ghatak’s survivability in enemy airspace.

Government Funding: The Critical Hurdle

Despite the promising technological groundwork, the transition to a full-scale operational UCAV depends on securing adequate funding. A senior ADE official highlighted that while initial procurement activities have begun, large-scale development and flight testing require a substantial financial commitment.

Currently, the financial proposal for Ghatak is under review by a Ministry of Finance committee. Estimates within defense circles suggest a required budget of approximately ₹5,000 crores ($600 million), covering the prototype’s full development and testing phase. The proposal is expected to be submitted to India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval, potentially by mid-2025.

Strategic Synergies with AMCA

The Ghatak project is closely aligned with India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which aims to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter. Several technologies, including stealth coatings, composite materials, and avionics, will be shared between the two platforms, offering cost savings and accelerating development timelines. However, Ghatak’s autonomous capabilities and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) operations require distinct research efforts, necessitating dedicated funding.

As India positions itself among global leaders in autonomous combat aviation, the Ghatak program represents a significant step forward in indigenous drone warfare capabilities. While technological advancements from the SWiFT demonstrator provide a strong foundation, timely government funding will be crucial in transitioning the UCAV from prototype to operational deployment. If financial approvals proceed as anticipated, India’s first full-scale stealth UCAV could see its maiden flight within the next few years, marking a new era in the nation’s defense capabilities.