Indian Firm Unveils FWD-LM01: A 100km AI-Driven Loitering Munition Redefining Battlefield Precision

India has taken a remarkable step forward in its defense technology evolution with the introduction of the FWD-LM01, an advanced AI-enabled loitering munition boasting a 100-kilometre range. Developed by the Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA), this indigenous system not only enhances India’s tactical capabilities but also reflects its growing confidence in indigenous innovation.

Unveiled at the 55th Paris Air Show in 2025—one of the world’s most prestigious defense showcases—the FWD-LM01 instantly made headlines as India’s first export-ready, long-range loitering munition. Until now, Indian-made loitering munitions were restricted to significantly shorter ranges, rarely exceeding 40 kilometers. This new entrant has not only doubled that range but also added cutting-edge artificial intelligence, giving India a competitive edge in next-generation warfare.

Compact yet powerful, the FWD-LM01 weighs just 6 kilograms and is designed for rapid, field-level deployment. It can be launched in less than five minutes without the need for elaborate setups or ground infrastructure—an ideal solution for quick-response teams and mobile combat units operating in dynamic battlefield conditions. Despite its small frame, the system is capable of staying airborne for up to 90 minutes and reaching altitudes of 17,000 feet, enabling it to loiter silently over enemy territory in search of targets.

One of its most impressive features is its 2-kilogram warhead, guided by EOIR (electro-optical infrared) sensors and an AI-powered navigation and targeting system. This allows the drone to independently identify, verify, and engage enemy assets with precision, significantly reducing human involvement and risk. Such automation is particularly valuable in modern warfare scenarios where speed, precision, and low detection are key to mission success.

From its very design to its final assembly, the FWD-LM01 is entirely made in India, in line with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision that aims to build self-reliant defense capabilities. The project moved from concept to prototype and flight testing entirely within FWDA’s Bengaluru facility, showcasing the maturity of India’s private defense tech ecosystem.

Importantly, the development of the FWD-LM01 is not just a domestic milestone—it’s also a signal of India’s intent to become a serious exporter of high-tech defense systems. Live explosive trials scheduled for later in 2025 will help secure international certifications, paving the way for global sales and collaborative defense agreements.

FWDA is also setting its sights on more ambitious projects, including unmanned aerial systems that can engage enemy fighter jets, such as Pakistan’s F-16s and JF-17s. Though still in the conceptual phase, these goals reflect a broader commitment to positioning India as a leader in AI-driven and autonomous defense technologies.

India’s defense drone sector is growing rapidly, with industry forecasts pointing to a compound annual growth rate of over 80% from 2020 to 2025 and sustained momentum beyond. As a result, systems like the FWD-LM01 could become the foundation for a new class of Indian-made precision weapons that are fast, intelligent, and capable of neutralizing threats with minimal collateral damage.

In essence, the FWD-LM01 is far more than a tactical drone—it’s a symbol of India’s strategic shift toward self-reliance, technological innovation, and global defense leadership. As unmanned systems redefine the nature of warfare, India's timely leap into AI-powered munitions puts it firmly on the map of modern military powers.