Ghatak (SWiFT) — Autonomous Stealth Flying-Wing UCAV

Indian Air Force STATUS: PROTOTYPE (Stage 3/5) Target Timeline: 2027 (Prototype) / 2030 (Operational)

TARGET INDUCTION

2027 (Prototype) / 2030 (Operational)

LEAD AGENCY

DRDO Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE)

Platform Type

Stealth Flying-Wing UCAV

Powerplant

Kaveri Dry Engine (52 kN thrust)

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Ghatak is a classified autonomous flying-wing stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) developed by ADE. Powered by a modified Kaveri dry turbofan engine, Ghatak is designed for high-altitude deep-penetration precision strike, electronic reconnaissance, and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) in highly contested airspace.

STRATEGIC POWER PROJECTION

Ghatak provides the Indian Air Force with an unmanned deep-strike capability to neutralize heavily defended enemy command centers and radar stations on day one of a conflict without risking human pilots.

KEY DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

TECH DOMAIN

Tailless flying-wing stealth configuration with internal serpentine engine intake

TECH DOMAIN

Internal weapon bay housing precision-guided munitions and anti-radiation missiles

TECH DOMAIN

Autonomous AI flight control and autonomous landing algorithms validated on SWiFT demonstrator

TECH DOMAIN

Satellite data-link and autonomous mission re-planning capabilities

PROJECTED TARGET SPECIFICATIONS

Platform Type	Stealth Flying-Wing UCAV
Powerplant	Kaveri Dry Engine (52 kN thrust)
Payload	Internal Weapon Bay with Precision Guided Munitions
Stealth Features	Serpentine Intake, Radar Absorbent Composites, Tailless Planform