SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has approved the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) plans to transition the Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) program from a technology demonstrator (TD) to a full-scale program. The SWiFT, initially conceived as a test platform, will now be developed into a potent 1-ton UCAV, capable of performing mini-bomber roles and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
This decision underscores the IAF’s growing interest in stealth unmanned platforms, which are essential for modern warfare, particularly in contested environments where survivability, precision, and adaptability are critical.
Originally designed as a technology demonstrator, the SWiFT program’s purpose was to validate critical technologies related to stealth, aerodynamics, and unmanned flight that could be applied to future UCAV projects. Now, with the IAF’s backing, the project is set to evolve into a fully operational platform, capable of delivering meaningful combat capabilities.
The new version of SWiFT will feature an internal weapons bay, a key characteristic of stealth aircraft that minimizes radar cross-section by carrying weapons internally rather than on external hardpoints. This allows the UCAV to carry precision-guided munitions while maintaining its low observable profile, essential for surviving in heavily defended airspace.
SWiFT will be powered by the Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE), the same engine that propels the Nirbhay cruise missile. The STFE is a compact yet powerful engine, developed indigenously, that is well-suited for the size and mission requirements of the SWiFT UCAV. Its successful integration into the Nirbhay missile has already demonstrated its reliability, making it an ideal powerplant for this new generation of unmanned systems.
The STFE’s compact design allows SWiFT to maintain a stealthy profile, while still providing sufficient thrust to undertake a range of mission profiles, including deep strike, ISR, and combat support. The engine’s proven performance on Nirbhay ensures that SWiFT will have the range, endurance, and speed necessary to complete missions effectively.
The SWiFT UCAV, with its 1-ton payload capacity, is being designed as a versatile platform that can be configured for both offensive and reconnaissance roles. As a mini-bomber, it can deliver precision-guided munitions against high-value targets deep within enemy territory, all while maintaining a low radar signature to evade detection. Its ability to operate in contested airspace makes it a valuable asset for the IAF in scenarios where manned aircraft might be at higher risk.
In addition to strike capabilities, the SWiFT will be equally capable in the ISR role. With advanced sensors and the ability to carry out surveillance missions for extended periods, the UCAV can provide real-time intelligence to commanders on the ground, enhancing situational awareness and improving decision-making in dynamic operational environments.
Stealth is becoming a critical requirement for modern air forces as nations around the world invest in increasingly sophisticated air defense systems. The development of stealth UCAVs like SWiFT represents a strategic shift in India’s approach to future aerial warfare, where the ability to operate undetected is paramount. Stealth UCAVs not only offer survivability in contested environments but also allow for the execution of precision strikes and ISR missions without risking human lives.