India is going to take another big leap in the field of defense and aerospace technology. Ghatak UCAV, the indigenous Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) being developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is now moving towards its final development stage.
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force may soon get stealth drones developed with indigenous technology, which are being prepared with state-of-the-art combat capabilities. Defense Research and Development Organization Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat recently told in an event that India is working rapidly on “lethal” Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) i.e. stealth drone technology.
The special thing about these indigenous drones will be that they will be very difficult to detect by radar and they will be capable of carrying out missions over long distances in enemy territory.
Size like Tejas, capability like stealth fighter
According to DRDO Chairman, this UCAV will be equal to the light combat aircraft HAL Tejas in size and weight. Its weight is kept in the around 13 tonne category, which will enable it to compete with modern stealth fighter jets. It is a completely unmanned platform, which has been designed in such a way that it can attack at depth over long distances while avoiding enemy radar systems.
The biggest feature of Ghatak UCAV will be its indigenous engine. It will be powered by a derivative version of the Kaveri engine, which is being developed in India. This engine will be able to provide approximately 49 kN thrust capacity, giving the drone better fuel efficiency and longer flight capability. It is estimated that this UCAV will be able to fly continuously for about 8 hours.
Stealth Design: Invisible to enemy radar
This drone has been completely designed on the basis of stealth technology. Its external structure has been designed to reduce radar signature, allowing it to avoid enemy radar and air defense systems. In this, the weapons will not be kept in the outer part, but in two internal weapon bays. This will further strengthen its stealth capability.
The Ghatak UCAV will be capable of carrying a payload of up to 1.5 tonnes. This may include Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), Precision Guided Bombs and other modern weapons. This capability enables it to go deep into enemy territory and deliver accurate and deadly attacks.
Strike capability up to 1000 km
According to reports, this UCAV will be capable of operating by penetrating into enemy territory for approximately 1000 kilometers. It can carry out complex military missions without any risk to the pilot. DRDO believes that this technology will take India’s air power to a new level.
This ambitious program has recently received approval from the Defense Procurement Council (DPC) worth approximately ₹39,000 crore. This is expected to speed up its development and production process.
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