IAF Eyes 150 Ghatak Stealth UCAVs Powered by AI and Indigenous Kaveri Engine For Autonomous Warfare

In a strategic move that underscores the Indian Air Force's (IAF) commitment to autonomous warfare, plans are underway to acquire at least 150 Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). Equivalent to forming eight to nine full squadrons, this ambitious procurement highlights India’s growing focus on indigenization and advanced drone warfare.

The Ghatak UCAV, a cutting-edge project spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is designed to redefine air combat operations. With stealth, precision, and artificial intelligence (AI) as its core features, the Ghatak is poised to operate in some of the world's most challenging air defense environments.

Stealth Meets Precision: Ghatak’s Tactical Edge

Weighing approximately 13 tons, the Ghatak UCAV incorporates an array of stealth features, including its sleek, radar-evading flying-wing design. Built to penetrate deep into heavily fortified enemy territories, it features an internal weapons bay designed to carry a variety of payloads, such as precision-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles. By avoiding external hardpoints, the UCAV minimizes its radar signature, enabling covert operations even in areas with advanced air defense systems.

The weapons systems will allow the Ghatak to execute surgical strikes, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and high-risk reconnaissance missions. Advanced composite materials are also being used in the airframe to ensure it remains lightweight while offering high durability under combat conditions.

Powered by Indigenous Innovation: The Kaveri Dry Engine

A defining feature of the Ghatak UCAV is its propulsion system—the indigenous Dry Kaveri engine. Developed as a non-afterburning variant of the Kaveri engine, this powerplant has been optimized for unmanned aerial applications. The engine provides a thrust of approximately 52 kilonewtons, making it ideal for long-endurance missions while maintaining stealth.

The integration of the Kaveri engine not only reduces reliance on foreign propulsion technologies but also signifies India's progress in achieving self-reliance in critical defence technology. This development follows years of dedicated research, overcoming challenges related to efficiency, cooling systems, and reliability for combat scenarios.

AI-Driven Autonomy: Smarter, Faster, Deadlier

Central to the Ghatak UCAV’s operations is its advanced AI framework. The onboard AI systems are being designed to enable autonomous navigation, target detection, threat assessment, and real-time decision-making without human intervention. These capabilities make it suitable for missions involving deep strikes, electronic warfare, or intelligence gathering in contested airspace.

The UCAV will also feature swarming capabilities, allowing multiple Ghataks to operate in coordinated formations, overwhelming enemy defenses. This synergy between AI and operational flexibility gives the platform a significant edge in modern warfare scenarios.

Development Timelines and Future Deployment

Fabrication of the prototype is already underway, with early test flights anticipated by 2028. Following a rigorous testing phase and operational evaluations, the Ghatak is expected to join the IAF fleet by the late 2030s. While these timelines are ambitious, they represent a strategic push toward bolstering the country’s unmanned combat capabilities.

The production process is receiving active support from the private sector as part of India's ‘Make in India’ initiative. Companies involved in advanced avionics, stealth coatings, and sensor technologies are likely to play pivotal roles in the Ghatak program's success.

Strategic Implications for India’s Defence

Once inducted, the Ghatak UCAV will drastically enhance the IAF’s ability to conduct high-stakes missions with reduced risk to human pilots. Its versatility, paired with its stealth and AI-driven systems, will make it a formidable asset for the IAF, capable of countering evolving threats from adversaries in the region. It also positions India as a serious contender in the global UCAV market, with potential export opportunities in the future.

This bold step by the IAF reflects a clear vision to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving domain of autonomous warfare. The Ghatak UCAV, with its indigenous roots and futuristic design, is not just a technological leap but a statement of intent: India’s airpower is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.