SOURCE: AFI
In a landmark achievement for India’s burgeoning defense sector, Bengaluru-based startup Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) has announced its first international export order for 35 units of the FWD 100 ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) autonomous aircraft. This deal, signed with a Sub-Saharan nation whose name remains undisclosed, marks the first time an entirely indigenous Indian autonomous aircraft has penetrated the international market.
The FWD 100 ISR, a sub-variant of the previously successful FWD 200B, is a testament to India’s growing prowess in aerospace innovation. Designed, developed, and manufactured at FWDA’s state-of-the-art facility in Electronic City, Bengaluru, this aircraft is a beacon of India’s capability to produce world-class defense technology.
This export deal is not only significant for FWDA but also for India’s defense industry as a whole, showcasing the country’s capacity to compete on the global stage with home-grown technology. While the financial specifics of the contract remain confidential, the strategic implications are clear, with potential to open more markets for Indian defense products.
Suhas Tejaskanda, the visionary Founder and CEO of FWDA, commented on this achievement, stating, “This deal is not just an achievement for FWDA but a monumental step for India’s defence ecosystem. It proves that we are shaping the future of global defence.” His words reflect a broader ambition to elevate India’s role in the global defense landscape.
FWD 100 ISR: A Closer Look at the Specifications:
The FWD 100 ISR is engineered with:
- Advanced Optical Payload: Enabling high-precision surveillance and intelligence gathering, crucial for military operations.
- Aerodynamic Efficiency: With a 6-meter wingspan and 3.8-meter length, coupled with a 90 kg maximum takeoff weight, it offers agility and versatility in various operational environments.
- Endurance: Its unmatched 24-hour endurance capability makes it ideal for prolonged reconnaissance missions, providing continuous surveillance over areas of interest.
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