SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are set to greenlight the development of a stealthy High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program proposed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). According to informed sources cited by idrw.org, the ambitious project aims to deliver a cutting-edge platform with stealth features, designed to meet the IAF’s strategic requirements for surveillance and strike missions.
The HALE platform, powered by a turbojet engine, is envisioned to operate at high altitudes for extended durations, providing enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Additionally, the IAF has expressed keen interest in a stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) variant of the same platform. This variant will feature an internal weapons bay, enabling it to conduct precision strike missions across borders while maintaining a low radar and infrared signature.
Sources indicate that HAL’s proposed design draws inspiration from the General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger (formerly Predator C), a proven stealth UAV known for its advanced capabilities. Key stealth features of the HAL platform include internal weapons storage and an S-shaped exhaust, which significantly reduce its infrared and radar cross-section, making it harder to detect by enemy air defenses. These attributes align with the IAF’s requirements for a versatile and survivable platform capable of operating in contested environments.
HAL has outlined an aggressive timeline for the HALE program. According to informed sources close to idrw.org, the state-owned aerospace giant has promised to commence prototype testing within five years of project approval. Following the initial testing phase, an additional four to five years will be required to complete developmental trials and obtain clearance for production. This timeline, while ambitious, underscores HAL’s confidence in leveraging its expertise and existing technological capabilities to deliver a world-class platform.
The development of a stealth HALE UAV and its UCAV variant marks a significant step toward enhancing India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The platform’s ability to operate at high altitudes, coupled with its stealth features, will provide the IAF with a strategic edge in monitoring and responding to threats along India’s borders. The UCAV variant, in particular, will bolster India’s offensive capabilities, enabling precise, low-observable strikes against high-value targets.
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